If you were in the friend's will (and the will was valid--e.g. properly written, signed, witnessed, etc.) then you have to get was left to you. A will must go through probate and will be on file with the court: you can check with the court and verify whether you are owed anything and, if you are, could bring a legal action to get it. (You most likely should hire an attorney to help you with this.)But oral promises or an intention to put you into a will doesn't count--you'd be entitled to something only if you were actually given something in a will. If you were not in the will, or if there is no will, you are not entitled to any share of your friend's estate.