Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

As per EPTL 4-1.1, you have a claim to 1/2 of your father's estate (after the initial 50k which does to the spouse). You or your attorney should look into whether there was a will, how the property was titled, and if any proceedings have been brought. No probate or administration can be brought in Surrogate's court without notifying you and giving you a right to contest it. I would suggest you speak to an attorney. Many, including myself, offer a free consultation.

There are no time limits. Was an estate set up by his spouse? What happened to the real property?

First place to start is a review of the Deeds. Unless the title in the Deeds is in your father's name alone, or the title, if your step-mother's name is on the Deed, says "tenants in common", you will have an uphill battle in raising a contest, The Deed registration controls possible inheritance and unless you can prove undue influence or some other basis to overturn the registration, you may not inherit anything.