N.Y. Surr. Ct. Proc. Act § 1301

§ 1301. Definitions\n In this article:\n 1. A small estate is the estate of a domiciliary or a non-domiciliary\nwho dies leaving personal property having a gross value of $50,000 or\nless exclusive of property required to be set off under EPTL 5-3.1 (a).\n 2. A voluntary administrator is a person who qualifies and undertakes\nto settle the estate of the decedent without the formality of court\nadministration as hereinafter provided.\n