Canadian same-sex marriage is recognized in NY probate case

"Mr. Leiby is decedent’s surviving spouse and sole distributee," so there was no need for formal notification of Ranftle’s three surviving siblings about the pendency of the proceeding, and Surrogate Glen signed the probate decree, allowing Mr. Ranftle’s last will and testament to go into effect.

Because the marriage was valid in Canada, it is recognized under New York law, held Manhattan Surrogate Court Judge Kristin Booth Glen. A lawyer for J. Craig Leiby, 65, who is the surviving spouse of Kenneth Ranftle, 54, said the probate petition was not opposed, reports the Associated Press. Both men lived and worked in New York.