Any lawyers or real estate agents on this board? I have a real estate question. . . .

If no will is probated and a house is sold is the deceadants (sp) wife entitled to any of the proceeds from the home? Senario - house willed to one of 4 children. Will never probated - might be less stress to sell home and I am asking if the will is not probated will the deceased owners wife (name not on deed only mortgage) be entitled to any of the proceeds. This property in question is in NY and I would appreciate if someone could help me out. Thanks in advance Phenom