I am so sorry for your loss.  So the general rule is that the executor must follow the terms of the Will, although that has some wiggle room in it as well.  The Will could allow the Executor power to deviate when necessary rather than follow the Will as a road map, so to speak.  If you and your cousin wish to propose a different scenario than your Uncle originally put forth, and it is reasonable (which it sounds here), the Executor can propose the change to the Surrogate (Judge of the Probate Proceeding) and it could indeed be approved.  That would save a lot of time and money for you later.  Ask the Executor to ask the court for a conference and to propose the deviation.  Good luck.