Loss of my inheritance?

My uncle passed and I did not want to particiate in the court battle regarding his will and a complaint in equity with other family members. Because of this I did not receive an inheritance from his estate. I was told by the court appointed probate attorney that because "I did not hire an attorney; did not come to Court to be heard after notice being sent in the Will contest and Complaint in Equity. By not participating, legal rights get lost". I don't think this is fair. I signed all documents which were sent to me by the probate attorney in order for him to be appointed the administrator of my uncle's estate and also other documents which he sent so that my uncle would be cared for (before my uncle passed). I live in CT and my uncle lived in MA. which is a good distance from where I live. Is this a fact?