Pretty much what I went through with the MiL and FiL they were divorced for years so I got a double dose. MIL was intestate, FIL probate. Intestate required informing every potential heir and many more hoops.I was the executor for my FiL's estate and don't recommend the experience to anyone. It took just over 2 years to close out everything and that was with a lawyer assisting with the debit collectors (credit cards, truck, etc). Doing the paperwork with the state to get access to the accounts, being able to sign paperwork in the estates name, etc can be very stressful.
It's true that the debt normally does not pass along that's not always true. For example, if you are/were the partner/spouse and your name is on the CC, loan paperwork, etc. - well, you are probably going to be held liable.
Using a lawyer to negotiate down the debt payoff is worthwhile. As soon as the credit holders find out about the passing they go into full intimidation & predator mode - they will call, mail and generally harass you (the executor is the POC and their contact info is shared) saying that the bill has to be paid now or face legal action, yada yada. They are doing this so they don't have to settle for a lower amount. What they don't want you to know is that credit cards are unsecured debt - this means they are the last ones to get paid back (if at all). That's why they are the most aggressive. This is where a lawyer comes in - let them deal with the collectors and act as an intermediary. The funeral and other arrangements are stressful enough without having to deal with phone calls and letters.
Dealing with Social Security Administration, the VA, DFAS, IRS, County Tax office, etc... are a headache on their own. Expect them to take a looong time to respond to you for any questions or clarifications or payments. I had to write our representatives to get them to push the IRS and the VA into responding.
Keep track of assets sold at auction or garage sales or however and how much you get for them. This can be used against the debt collectors when negotiating down the payment.
Any bills paid (cleanup, repairs, etc) can be used on the final taxes - ONLY use estate money for this (if there is any). The executor will probably need to open an estate account and get a tax ID, but my suggestion is to let a professional tax person deal with the IRS filings.
If anything goes to repossession, then the estate will be held liable for the difference between what the item sells for at auction and how much is left on the loan. Example: camper is taken and sold at auction for $10k, but the amount owed is $15k, then the estate still owes $5k.
Hopefully my experience was the exception and others have it easier...