Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

My mother's cousin died with a will in place naming myself, (first cousin once removed) as executor, and my Aunt and myself as beneficiaries (Aunt is first cousin). The county clerk's office told me I should obtain a lawyer because there will need to be a kinship hearing since the nearest relatives listed are first cousins. My question is: is it possible that he court will simply accept the will as valid without needing me to provide kinship info? As a second part to this question, the deceased had done extensive work on Ancestory.com and has a Kinship report on her computer - is this valid in a NY Surrogate court?

Asked on 9/28/15, 5:46 am

David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

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1. No

2. By itself, it is insufficient.

An investigation must be made to locate relatives.

Answered on 9/28/15, 7:53 am

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