In the weeks following your spouse's death, you'll be flooded with paperwork, and you'll likely feel a lot of pressure to do things quickly. Try to take it one step at a time, remembering that the decisions you make now may have a significant impact on your family's financial future.

The following 6 guidelines can help you handle important matters.

1. Consult with a professional advisor knowledgeable in estate matters.

It's helpful to discuss estate settlement and inheritance matters with an expert. If you don't already have an estate planning attorney, accountant or financial advisor, you'll want to carefully select one right away. When choosing a professional advisor:

• Interview several in person.
• Ask about their educational and professional background, the size of the firm, how long they've been practicing and what licenses they hold.
• Request a written explanation of hourly rates and fees.

Once you have your advisors in place, it's time to get organized.

2. Request 10 or more certified copies of the death certificate.

In most cases, you'll need several copies of the death certificate to claim benefits from Social Security and insurance companies, and when dealing with banks and brokerage companies. You can obtain as many copies as you need from the county registrar, health department or funeral director.

3. Locate and organize important legal and financial documents.

Getting organized may seem burdensome at this time, but it will help you settle your loved one's affairs and start to take charge of your own. Some of the important documents you need to settle an estate include:

• Will, trust documents and letter of instruction, as well as any codicils or amendments
• Funeral and burial instructions
• Social Security number
• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Bank, brokerage and retirement account statements
• Stock certificates or bonds
• Documentation of business ownership interests
• Pension plan information
• Life insurance policies and annuities
• Prior income and gift tax returns
• Real property deeds and motor vehicle titles
• Casualty and/or property insurance policies, if any
• Health insurance information
• Outstanding bills or obligations
• Inventory of household goods and personal belongings

Many people don't know the real value of their estates or the legal complexities of how their asset and liabilities are held. The financial inventory worksheet (PDF) and personal net worth worksheet (PDF) will help you get the information you need to make smart financial decisions about the estate.

4. Apply for a Tax ID.

As probate estates and trusts are separate legal entities from both the deceased individual and their beneficiaries, you will need to apply for a tax ID number to ensure that those entities are properly reported and accounted for.

5. File for benefits.

A surviving spouse may be entitled to a number of benefits. Contact agencies by phone to find out what documents are required to file. Keep records of all correspondence. Agencies to contact include:

• Social Security–You'll need a death certificate, Social Security numbers for yourself, the deceased and dependent children, birth and marriage certificates, divorce papers if you're a surviving divorced spouse, and self-employment tax returns for the most recent year if applicable. For more information on survivors benefits, go to SSA.gov.
• Insurance companies–Contact the insurance company's local office and obtain a death claim form. Complete the form and return it along with a certified copy of the death certificate and a copy of the policy.
• Employer group insurance–The employee benefits department of your spouse's employer can provide a list of the benefits you may be eligible for and how they're paid. You'll need to provide a number of certified death certificates and other documentation.
• Veterans benefits–To apply for veterans benefits, you may be required to appear in person at a local Veterans Benefits Administration office. Visit IRIS.VA.gov for more information.

6. Review and update information on personal accounts and property.

Contact banks and credit card issuers to request the proper forms for changing joint loans, accounts and credit cards to your name only. An attorney or CPA should be able to provide additional guidance in the following matters:

• Reviewing any beneficiary designations
• Updating health and life insurance records as needed
• Updating titles on all property owned by the deceased

Beware of anyone preying financially on surviving family members. Watch out for claims by unknown individuals who lack documentation.