Left $5k in a will, executor says estate is broke, how do I find out if he is telling the truth? My father choose to leave the bulk of his estate to his son by another mother, and named that same son as personal representative of the estate. The estate was worth 700K 5 years ago, but my father was in a care facility for the last 5 years.  The half brother is no friend, and has denied my claim in probate even though it is clearly stated in the will, claiming the estate is broke.  I cannot hire an attorney since it would cost me more money that I am due to fight this. I filed a claim in probate but got an attorney letter denying the claim. no details or reason given. What do i do now?