New York Consolidated Laws, Surrogate's Court Procedure Act - SCP § 1004. Proceedings upon return of process;  decree

1. Upon the return of process in a proceeding for letters of administration upon the estate of a person alleged to be deceased the court must inquire into the facts and take proof thereof and if it appears that he is dead the court may make a decree so determining and directing the issuance of letters of administration upon his estate as prayed for in the petition or to such other person who may appear entitled thereto.

2. When process has issued and been returned with proof of due service thereof and no objections have been interposed to the appointment of the petitioner the court may make a decree granting letters of administration as prayed for in the petition or to such other person who may appear entitled thereto.

3. When the issuance and service of process is not necessary or has been dispensed with the court may make a decree granting letters of administration as prayed for in the petition or to such other person who may appear entitled thereto upon presentation of the petition.