N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 1071

§ 1071. Plaintiff may consent to receive a gross sum. In an action for\ndower, the plaintiff may, at any time before an interlocutory judgment\nis rendered, by reason of the defendant's default in appearing or\npleading, or, where an issue of fact is joined, at any time before the\ncommencement of the trial, file with the clerk a consent to accept a\ngross sum, in full satisfaction and discharge of her right of dower in\nthe real property described in the complaint. Such a consent must be in\nwriting, and acknowledged or proved, and certified, in like manner as a\ndeed to be recorded. A copy thereof, with notice of the filing, must be\nserved upon each adverse party who has appeared, or who appears after\nthe filing.\n