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Reference Guide · 4 Articles
FOIA Reference Guide
A complete guide to using the Freedom of Information Act — from filing your first request through appeals, litigation, and understanding what agencies can lawfully withhold.
Part 1 of 4
How to File a FOIA Request with a Federal Agency
Step-by-step guidance on identifying the right agency, drafting an effective request, fee waivers, and what to expect after you submit.
Part 2 of 4
What Happens After You File: The FOIA Response Process Explained
How agencies process requests, track status, handle backlogs, and what the different response outcomes mean for your access to records.
Part 3 of 4
FOIA Appeals and Litigation: What To Do When Agencies Deny Your Request
How to challenge agency denials through administrative appeals and federal court litigation, including attorney fee provisions and litigation strategy.
Part 4 of 4
FOIA Exemptions: What the Government Can Legally Withhold and Why
A plain-language explanation of all nine FOIA exemptions — national security, personal privacy, trade secrets, law enforcement — and how agencies apply them.
All content is informational and educational. Nothing here constitutes legal advice.
