N.Y. Family Court Act § 518: Effect of death, absence, or mental illness of mother

§ 518. Effect of death, absence, or mental illness of mother. If, at

any time before or after a petition is filed, the mother dies or becomes

mentally ill or cannot be found within the state, neither the proceeding

nor the right to commence the proceeding shall abate but may be

commenced or continued by any of the persons authorized by this article

to commence a paternity proceeding.