New York Consolidated Laws, Civil Practice Law and Rules - CVP § 4319. Decision

The decision of a referee shall comply with the requirements for a decision by the court and shall stand as the decision of a court.  Unless otherwise specified in the order of reference, the referee shall file his decision within thirty days after the cause or matter is finally submitted.  If it is not filed within the required time, upon the motion of a party before it is filed, the court may grant a new trial and, in that event, the referee shall not be entitled to any fees.