am i required to file a small estate affidavit and if so how do i obtain one?

If you are a designated beneficiary on the life insurance policy, no small estate affidavit should be required.  The insurance company should provide you with the forms needed to transfer funds to you.  If, however, there is no designated beneficiary, a small estate affidavit would be required if you are the intestate beneficiary or beneficiary of a Will or Trust.  Any probate/trust administration attorney should be able to prepare this affidavit for you.  Since this is a fairly straight-forward document, it should not cost much, and would be an opportunity to speak with an attorney to make sure that there is nothing else you need to do for any other assets that may have been held by the deceased individual.