This article is part one of the an in-depth look at what it's like to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the state of Louisiana as the author experiences it. The author gives a considerable amount of details on the process and required documentation. The author also gives a short discussion of bankruptcy abuse today and in the past. Statistics show that bankruptcy probably wasn't abused in the past as much as those driving for the new law reported. The statistics have stayed the same before and after the new bankruptcy law went into effect. The requirement for more thorough credit counseling and support may reduce the number of people who file for bankruptcy more than once. This author vows never to have to file again by getting and staying out of debt for the rest of her life (other posts on blog sited). Hopefully the new law will prevent those filing today from having to file again in the future.