N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 911

§ 911. Ascertainment of rights of parties before interlocutory\njudgment on default or admission or where party is an infant, absentee\nor unknown defendant.\n If a defendant has made default in appearing or pleading, or the\nrights of the parties are not controverted, or a party be an infant,\nabsentee or unknown, the court shall ascertain the rights, shares and\ninterests of the several parties in the property, by a reference or\notherwise, before interlocutory judgment is rendered.\n