N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4213

§ 4213. Cadavers; delivery to relatives or friends. 1. In the counties\nof Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Madison and Cortland, a friend who claims\nthe body of a deceased person for interment or other disposition may be\nrequired by the person having lawful possession, charge, custody or\ncontrol of it to present an affidavit stating (a) that such claimant is\na friend; (b) the facts and circumstances upon which the claim that he\nis such friend is based; and (c), that he will bear the expense of such\ninterment or other lawful disposition. If such claimant shall refuse to\nmake such affidavit the body shall not be delivered to him but he shall\nforfeit his claim and right to same. The expense of such affidavit, if\nrequired, shall be paid by the person requiring the affidavit.\n 2. If the body of a deceased person is claimed for interment or other\nlawful disposition by a relative and in the counties of Oneida,\nOnondaga, Oswego, Madison and Cortland a relative or friend after\ndelivery or release to, and receipt by a university, college, school or\ninstitute, same shall be given up and released to such relative or\nfriend.\n