Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Without knowing why you didn't receive the cash bequest, I can't tell you what recourse you have, but you should have recourse. It is possible that the cash was not in the estate once debts and expenses of the estate were paid. But in that case there shouldn't have been estate tax on it. If the administrator will not voluntarily provide an accounting of the estate, you can demand she provide one to the probate court. That will involve hiring a lawyer, though. Not something you want to do pro se.