2014 New York Laws
RPA - Real Property Actions & Proceedings
Article 10 - (1001 - 1093) ACTION FOR DOWER
1012 - Who may be joined as defendants.

  1012.  Who  may  be joined as defendants. 1. In either of the cases
  specified in section 1011, any other person claiming title  to,  or  the
  right  to the possession of, the real property in which dower is claimed
  may be joined as defendant in the action.
2. The people of the state of New York may be made a  party  defendant
  in an action for dower where the people of the state of New York have an
  interest  in  or  a  lien  upon  the lands affected thereby, in the same
  manner as a private person. In such a case the summons  must  be  served
  upon the attorney-general, who must appear in behalf of the people.  But
  where the people of the state of New York are made a party defendant, as
  herein provided, the complaint shall set forth, in addition to the other
  matters  required,  detailed  facts showing the particular nature of the
  interest in or the lien on the said real property of the people  of  the
  state  of  New  York  and  the  reason  for  making  the  people a party
  defendant.  Upon failure to state such  facts  the  complaint  shall  be
  dismissed as to the people of the state of New York.