Why Do First Cousins Have To Sign Off On A Will in NYS?

[MJNYS]

An unmarried first cousin passed away. He had a will that was drawn up by a NYS lawyer. One first cousin is the executor and four first cousins were beneficiaries. The lawyer is sending a copy of the will and a "sign off" sheet to all the first cousins whether they were beneficiaries or not named in the will at all. He is claiming this is New York State law. He has sent the copy of the will to eight first cousins on one side of the family that the deceased has had absolutely no contact with. I guess I don't quite understand why. If someone dies and there's a bonafide will why contact family members who aren't named in the will. I did try to research this in NYS law and I honestly couldn't find anything. Does anyone know if this is, in fact, a law in NYS that all first cousins have to sign off on a will? Thank-you.

[anteater]

If I remember correctly, New York requires that all potential heirs receive notice, whether they inherit under the terms of the will or not. This gives them the opportunity to challenge the will if they are so inclined.