Is it advisable to retain a lawyer?

My brother, childless and unmarried passed away in Ca. June 2017. In Feb. 2017, 4 months prior to his death,he called me and informed me that he did not have long to live and that I would be receiving the lion's share of his estate,minus his 600K Ca,house which would go to our youngest brother,who was also (executor),It is now Oct.1st 2017 and I have heard nothing from the estate.I believe he had a will and perhaps a trust? I am suspecting that the executor (youngest brother and caregiver near the end to the deceased) had our deceased brother make changes leaving him sole beneficiary when the decedent was on death's doorstep. Are there Ca, statutes and or case law that might lend support to filing a legitimate claim on this estate? What is the statutory time limit to file a claim/inquiry into the estate? Thank You.