N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law § 201

§ 201. When deemed to have elected. Where a woman is entitled to an\nelection, as prescribed in either of the last two sections, she is\ndeemed to have elected to take the jointure, devise or pecuniary\nprovision, unless within six months after the death of her husband she\nenters upon the lands assigned to her for her dower, or commences an\naction for her dower. But, during such period of six months after the\ndeath of her said husband, her time to make such election may be\nenlarged by the order of any court competent to pass on the accounts of\nexecutors, administrators or testamentary trustees, or to admeasure\ndower, on an affidavit showing the pendency of a proceeding to contest\nthe probate of the will containing such jointure, devise or pecuniary\nprovision, or of an action to construe or set aside such will, or that\nthe amount of claims against the estate of the testator can not be\nascertained within the period so limited, or other reasonable cause, and\non notice given to such persons, and in such manner, as such court may\ndirect. Such order shall be indexed and recorded in the same manner as a\nnotice of pendency of action in the office of the clerk of each county\nwherein the real property or a portion thereof affected thereby is\nsituated.\n