Rights of unmarried partner of intestate decedent

[akpark]

This question pertains to New York state. I am posting on behalf of my sister, whose boyfriend of 22 years died without a will.

FACTS:
-Girlfriend and boyfriend lived together 22 years in New York
-Long term partner (boyfriend) died intestate
-Decedent has 2 sons in Panama, they have begun legal action to claim the estate
-First step toward claiming estate is obtaining Social Security numbers for both sons
-Girlfriend is currently occupying co-op owned by decedent, which they shared for entire relationship
-Girlfriend spent last ~five years actively caring for decedent, who would have otherwise required a full service nursing home

QUESTIONS:
-Does the girlfriend have rights to continue to occupy the co-op? If so, how long can she continue to occupy the co-op?
-Can the partner make a claim against the heirs for reimbursement of time spent (5 years) taking care of the decedent?

Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.

 

[lwpat]

Is she on the title or lease? Did she put any money into anything? Unless she had a written contract for her services in caring for him she is probably out of luck on that point. If she worked and they pooled their money, she can claim an equitable portion of the estate. She will need an attorney.