Don't I have a right to know what my dad's wishes were?

The first question is whether "there was anything left." If the assets were titled jointly, then you are out of luck. If the assets were all titled solely in your father's name, (which would be very unusual), then probate would be required. In that case, if there was a will, it may have left it all to the surviving spouse. If it did not, she would be entitled to "elect against the Will." In all likelihood, she would still be entitled to the bulk of the estate. Check the public records to see how the house was titled. If it was joint, then you will have your answer. The spouse would not legally have been able to access any of the assets, if they were not jointly titled or she was not designated as beneficiary.

In Idaho, you might have had a chance two years ago, but there is a 3 year statute of limitations on the probate. Regardless, talk with a local probate attorney, maybe there is something that can be done.

Yes, if your father had no will, in Louisiana, you and your siblings would be his sole heirs of his estate. Your step-mother would not be the one inheriting his estate. If she had any community property with your step-mother, you and your brother and she would now be co-owners of that community property, and you and your siblings would solely own his separate property.

Seek the assistance of a probate lawyer to make a written demand on the step mother for information regarding the assets of your father, and determine if a probate petition should be filed on your behalf.

Probably too little, too late. If all of the assets were joint there is nothing in the estate for you and your brother to share.