New York Consolidated Laws, Mental Hygiene Law - MHY § 81.12 Burden and quantum of proof

(a) A determination that a person is incapacitated under the provisions of this article must be based on clear and convincing evidence. The burden of proof shall be on the petitioner.

(b) The court may, for good cause shown, waive the rules of evidence. The report of the court evaluator may be admitted in evidence if the court evaluator testifies and is subject to cross examination; provided, however, that if the court determines that information contained in the report is, in the particular circumstance of the case, not sufficiently reliable, the court shall require that the person who provided the information testify and be subject to cross examination.