The Formly blog

Practical guides on FOIA, public records, and what it takes to get the documents you want from a federal agency.

April 14, 2026·6 min read
How Long Does a FOIA Request Take? Timeline + Tips
The statutory 20-day deadline is a polite fiction. Here's what FOIA requests actually take in 2026, why, and the tactics that shorten the wait.
April 12, 2026·5 min read
FOIA Request Template: Free Examples for Every Agency
A reusable FOIA request template with agency-specific variants for the DOJ, FBI, and EPA, plus fee-waiver and expedited-processing language you can adapt.
April 10, 2026·6 min read
How to File a FOIA Request: Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to file a valid FOIA request in 2026: the right agency, the elements of a solid request, fee waivers, expedited processing, and the mistakes that cost people weeks.