Filing a legal complaint in the Philippines can feel confusing because there is no single “complaint office” for every problem. The right place depends on what happened: a criminal act, unpaid debt, workplace dispute, barangay matter, family violence, consumer issue, property conflict, or government-agency concern. The most important first step is to identify the type of complaint, gather evidence early, and file it in the correct forum so your case is not delayed or dismissed on a technical ground.

What a Legal Complaint Means in the Philippines

A legal complaint is a formal statement that tells a court, prosecutor, barangay, or government agency what happened, who is responsible, what law or right was violated, and what remedy you are asking for.

In Philippine practice, people use the word “complaint” for different documents:

Type of complaint	Where it is usually filed	Common examples
Barangay complaint	Barangay Lupon / Katarungang Pambarangay	Neighbor disputes, unpaid small debts, minor property issues between residents
Criminal complaint or complaint-affidavit	Police, prosecutor’s office, sometimes court	Theft, estafa, physical injuries, threats, cybercrime, VAWC
Civil complaint	Court	Collection of sum of money, damages, breach of contract, property disputes
Labor complaint or Request for Assistance	DOLE / NLRC	Unpaid wages, illegal dismissal, non-payment of final pay, 13th month pay
Administrative complaint	Government agency or disciplinary body	Complaints against public officers, licensed professionals, businesses, or regulated entities
Small claims complaint	First-level court	Pure money claims up to the small claims threshold
Protection order petition	Barangay or court	Violence against women and their children under RA 9262

A police blotter, text complaint, social media post, or verbal report is usually not yet a filed legal case. It may help document an incident, but a formal complaint generally requires a written statement, supporting evidence, and filing before the correct office.

Legal Basis for Filing Complaints in the Philippines

Several laws and rules may apply depending on the nature of your case.

For civil cases, the Civil Code of the Philippines gives the basis for many claims, including:

Article 19: everyone must act with justice, give everyone their due, and observe honesty and good faith.
Article 20: a person who, contrary to law, willfully or negligently causes damage to another must indemnify the injured person.
Article 21: a person who willfully causes loss or injury contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy must compensate the injured person.
Article 1159: contracts have the force of law between the parties.
Article 1170: those guilty of fraud, negligence, delay, or breach of obligations may be liable for damages.
Article 2176: a person who causes damage through fault or negligence may be liable under quasi-delict.

For criminal cases, the basic rules are found in the Revised Penal Code, special penal laws, and the Rules of Criminal Procedure. Criminal actions are generally prosecuted in the name of the People of the Philippines, not simply in the name of the private complainant.

For barangay disputes, the key law is the Katarungang Pambarangay system under the Local Government Code of 1991, RA 7160. In many disputes between individuals living in the same city or municipality, barangay conciliation is required before a court complaint can proceed.

For labor cases, the Single Entry Approach or SEnA is commonly the first step. DOLE describes SEnA as a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation mechanism for labor and employment issues, and the online DOLE ARMS portal allows the filing of a Request for Assistance.

For court procedures, the 2019 Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure govern pleadings, service, summons, motions, pre-trial, and other civil procedure matters. Electronic filing rules are also increasingly important; the Supreme Court has announced that full implementation of eFiling Guidelines in trial courts for civil cases took effect on December 1, 2024 through its Electronic Filing initiatives.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Type of Complaint

Before writing anything, classify your problem. This prevents one of the most common mistakes: filing in the wrong office.

File a criminal complaint if the act is a crime

Examples include:

Theft or qualified theft
Estafa or swindling
Physical injuries
Threats or grave coercion
Cyberlibel or online fraud
Violence against women and their children
Child abuse
Malicious mischief
Falsification
Illegal detention
Bouncing checks under BP 22, depending on the circumstances

For crimes, you usually prepare a complaint-affidavit, not just a narrative letter. A complaint-affidavit is a sworn written statement describing the facts and attaching evidence.

File a civil complaint if you mainly want money, damages, property relief, or enforcement of rights

Examples include:

Collection of unpaid debt
Breach of contract
Damages after an accident
Return of deposit
Recovery of property
Annulment or rescission of contract
Injunction
Ejectment or unlawful detainer

Civil cases are filed in court and generally require payment of docket fees unless the filer is recognized as an indigent litigant.

File a barangay complaint if the dispute must first pass through barangay conciliation

Barangay conciliation usually applies when:

The parties are individuals, not corporations;
They live in the same city or municipality, or in adjoining barangays within the same city or municipality;
The offense or dispute is not too serious under the exceptions in the law;
The matter is not one requiring urgent court action.

If settlement fails, the barangay issues a Certificate to File Action, which may be needed before filing in court.

File a labor complaint if the issue comes from employment

Common labor complaints include:

Unpaid salary
Non-payment of overtime, holiday pay, service incentive leave, or 13th month pay
Illegal dismissal
Constructive dismissal
Underpayment
Non-remittance of benefits
Final pay disputes
Illegal suspension or demotion

Most labor disputes start with a Request for Assistance under DOLE SEnA before reaching the NLRC or another DOLE office.

File with a special agency if the law assigns the dispute to that agency

Some complaints are not filed first in regular court. Examples:

Issue	Possible office
Labor standards	DOLE Regional Office
Illegal dismissal / money claims	NLRC, usually after SEnA
Consumer complaints	DTI, depending on the product or service
Data privacy violations	National Privacy Commission
Housing and subdivision disputes	DHSUD / Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, depending on the matter
Tax assessments	BIR administrative remedies, then Court of Tax Appeals if applicable
Immigration concerns	Bureau of Immigration
Professional misconduct	PRC or professional regulatory board
Complaints against lawyers	Supreme Court disciplinary process
Complaints against judges	Supreme Court / Judicial Integrity Board processes
Public officer misconduct	Ombudsman, Civil Service Commission, or agency disciplinary office

Step 2: Gather Evidence Before Filing

A complaint is only as strong as the facts and evidence supporting it. Philippine offices are often strict with documentary requirements because prosecutors, judges, and hearing officers cannot rely on suspicion alone.

Common evidence includes:

Government IDs of the complainant
Written contracts, receipts, invoices, promissory notes, demand letters
Screenshots of messages, emails, social media posts, call logs, and online transactions
Bank transfer receipts, GCash or Maya transaction records, remittance slips
Photos and videos
Medical certificates and medico-legal reports
Police blotter entries
Barangay blotter or incident reports
Witness affidavits
Company documents, payslips, employment contracts, attendance records
Land titles, tax declarations, lease agreements
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or death certificates from the PSA when family status matters

For screenshots, preserve the full context. Do not crop out names, dates, URLs, phone numbers, or earlier messages if they help prove identity and continuity. For online fraud or cybercrime, save links, account names, transaction reference numbers, email headers, and platform IDs before the account disappears.

Step 3: Check if Barangay Conciliation Is Required

Many ordinary disputes in the Philippines must first go through the barangay. This is not just a courtesy step. In covered cases, failure to undergo barangay conciliation can cause dismissal or delay.

Under the Katarungang Pambarangay system in RA 7160, covered disputes generally go first to the barangay where the respondent lives. The parties are summoned to appear before the Punong Barangay or Lupon for mediation, conciliation, or arbitration.

When barangay conciliation is commonly required

Examples include:

A neighbor refuses to pay a personal debt.
A tenant and landlord live in the same city and the issue is not yet an ejectment case requiring immediate court action.
Someone damaged property in a minor dispute.
A family member or neighbor owes money under an informal arrangement.
A local dispute involves individuals in the same city or municipality.

When barangay conciliation is usually not required

Barangay conciliation is generally not required when:

One party is the government or a public officer acting officially.
One party is a corporation, partnership, or juridical entity.
The parties live in different cities or municipalities, unless adjoining barangays within the same city or municipality rules apply.
The offense is punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year or a fine exceeding the statutory threshold under the Local Government Code.
The complaint involves urgent legal action, such as injunction or provisional remedies.
The case involves serious criminal offenses.
The law provides another specific procedure.
The complainant seeks protection under laws such as RA 9262.

What happens after barangay filing

You file a written or verbal complaint at the barangay.
The barangay issues summons to the respondent.
The Punong Barangay attempts mediation.
If mediation fails, the matter may go to the Pangkat Tagapagkasundo.
If settlement is reached, it is written and signed.
If settlement fails, the barangay issues a Certificate to File Action.
You attach that certificate when filing the case in court or the proper office.

In practice, barangay proceedings can be fast if both parties appear. The bottleneck is usually non-appearance, rescheduling, or unclear addresses.

Step 4: Prepare the Correct Complaint Document

The format depends on the forum.

For a criminal complaint-affidavit

A criminal complaint-affidavit usually contains:

Name, address, and personal circumstances of the complainant
Name and address of the respondent, if known
Clear chronological statement of facts
Specific acts committed by the respondent
Approximate dates, times, and places
Law or crime believed to be violated, if known
List of attached evidence
Names of witnesses
Signature of the complainant
Jurat or oath before a prosecutor, notary public, or authorized officer

The Department of Justice lists typical requirements for filing a complaint for preliminary investigation, including the Investigation Data Form, complaint-affidavit or sworn statement, affidavits of witnesses, and supporting documents through its page on Filing of Complaint for Preliminary Investigation.

Avoid emotional conclusions like “he is a scammer” unless you first state the facts that show deceit, payment, reliance, and damage. Prosecutors look for the elements of the offense, not just the complainant’s anger or loss.

For a civil complaint in court

A civil complaint usually contains:

Caption showing the court, parties, and case type
Names and addresses of plaintiff and defendant
Jurisdictional facts showing why that court can hear the case
Material facts forming the cause of action
Legal basis for the claim
Prayer or relief requested
Certification against forum shopping
Verification, when required
Supporting annexes
Payment of docket fees

Under the Rules of Civil Procedure, a complaint must state a cause of action. This means it must show:

The plaintiff has a legal right;
The defendant had a duty to respect that right;
The defendant violated that duty;
The violation caused injury or damage.

For small claims

Small claims are designed for simpler money claims. Under the Supreme Court’s Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts, small claims are handled by first-level courts such as the MeTC, MTCC, MTC, or MCTC. The Supreme Court’s Rules on Expedited Procedures recalibrated small claims and summary procedure after RA 11576 expanded first-level court jurisdiction.

Small claims are typically used for:

Unpaid loans
Unpaid rent
Unpaid services
Reimbursement claims
Credit card or lending claims
Money owed under a contract

Lawyers are generally not allowed to appear for parties during small claims hearings, unless they are parties themselves. The forms are simplified, but the claimant must still attach proof.

For labor complaints

For labor concerns, the first document is often a Request for Assistance under SEnA. DOLE’s online filing portal, DOLE ARMS, states that a Request for Assistance may be filed by an aggrieved worker, group of workers, kasambahay, union, workers’ association, federation, or employer.

Prepare:

Employment contract or appointment letter
Company ID
Payslips
Time records
Notices, memos, or termination letters
Chat or email instructions from employer
Proof of unpaid amounts
Computation of claims
Certificate of employment, if available
Names of company officers or HR representatives

Step 5: File in the Correct Office

Where to file a criminal complaint

For many crimes, you may start with:

Police station where the incident happened Useful for blotter, initial investigation, referral, and urgent police response.
City or Provincial Prosecutor’s Office This is where many complaint-affidavits are filed for preliminary investigation, especially for crimes requiring prosecutorial action.
Special offices Cybercrime may involve the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, NBI Cybercrime Division, or DOJ Office of Cybercrime depending on the facts. VAWC complaints may involve the barangay, police Women and Children Protection Desk, prosecutor, or court.

A police blotter can support your complaint, but it does not automatically mean the prosecutor has filed a criminal case in court.

Where to file a civil complaint

Civil complaints are filed in court based on jurisdiction and venue.

Under RA 11576, first-level courts were given expanded jurisdiction over many civil actions involving monetary claims. The law amended BP 129 and expanded the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. You can read the text of RA 11576 on Lawphil.

In simplified terms:

Case type	Usual court consideration
Smaller money claims within first-level court jurisdiction	MeTC / MTCC / MTC / MCTC
Higher-value civil cases or cases specifically assigned to RTC	Regional Trial Court
Ejectment cases	First-level courts
Family cases	Family Court or RTC designated as Family Court
Probate, land, injunction, or special proceedings	Depends on specific law, value, and relief

Venue is different from jurisdiction. Jurisdiction asks which level of court has power. Venue asks where geographically the case should be filed.

Where to file a labor complaint

Labor complaints commonly begin with:

DOLE SEnA Request for Assistance;
If unresolved, referral to the proper DOLE office, NLRC, NCMB, or other body depending on the issue;
For illegal dismissal and many money claims arising from employment, the matter often proceeds to the NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch.

DOLE describes SEnA as a 30-day conciliation-mediation process through its Single Entry Approach information pages.

Where to file a VAWC complaint or protection order

For violence against women and their children, RA 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, allows protection through:

Barangay Protection Order
Temporary Protection Order
Permanent Protection Order
Criminal complaint for punishable acts

VAWC cases often require fast documentation: medical records, photos, threatening messages, financial control evidence, witness statements, and prior barangay or police reports.

Step 6: Pay Fees or Apply as an Indigent Litigant

Court cases usually require docket and filing fees. The amount depends on the type of case, amount claimed, court level, and relief asked.

In civil cases, underpayment of docket fees can become a serious issue. The amount of the claim, damages, attorney’s fees, and other monetary relief should be carefully stated because filing fees are computed from them.

For people who cannot afford filing fees, Philippine rules allow recognition as an indigent litigant. Rule 141 of the Rules of Court provides standards for exemption from legal fees for qualified indigent litigants. The Supreme Court has discussed indigent litigant rules in cases such as Algura v. Local Government Unit of Naga, explaining that legal fee exemption may apply, subject to court determination and possible lien on a favorable judgment.

The Public Attorney’s Office may also assist qualified indigent persons. Its rules apply a means test and merit test, and commonly require proof such as a certificate of indigency, proof of income, and case documents. The PAO’s mandate and legal aid role are reflected in its official Public Attorney’s Office website.

Step 7: Follow Summons, Subpoenas, and Deadlines Carefully

After filing, the case does not move by itself. You must monitor notices.

In criminal complaints

The prosecutor may:

Require additional documents;
Issue subpoena to the respondent;
Require counter-affidavits;
Allow reply-affidavits;
Resolve the complaint;
Dismiss the complaint; or
File an Information in court.

The DOJ’s 2024 rules on preliminary investigations emphasize filing an Information only when the evidence meets the standard of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction. This is stricter than simply showing suspicion.

In civil cases

The court may:

Issue summons to the defendant;
Require an answer;
Set pre-trial;
Refer the case to court-annexed mediation;
Require judicial affidavits;
Set trial dates;
Decide the case after evidence is presented.

Under newer electronic filing rules, lawyers and parties must pay close attention to email service, PDF submissions, and court-issued guidelines. Missing an electronic notice can affect deadlines.

In barangay cases

The barangay may:

Set mediation conferences;
Require personal appearance;
Record a settlement;
Issue a Certificate to File Action if settlement fails.

Non-appearance can have consequences. For complainants, it may delay or weaken the next step. For respondents, it may allow issuance of the necessary certification.

Common Mistakes When Filing a Complaint

Filing in the wrong office

A complaint for unpaid wages filed directly in regular court may be dismissed or redirected because labor tribunals have jurisdiction. A criminal complaint filed only as a barangay blotter may never reach the prosecutor. A dispute requiring barangay conciliation may be challenged if filed directly in court without the required certificate.

Confusing a police blotter with a criminal case

A blotter is only a record of an incident. It is useful, but it is not the same as a prosecutor’s complaint, court Information, or arrest warrant.

Writing conclusions instead of facts

Weak complaint: “He scammed me.”

Stronger complaint: “On March 5, 2026, respondent represented through Messenger that he had an available iPhone 15 Pro for ₱45,000. I transferred ₱20,000 to his GCash account ending in 1234. After receiving payment, he blocked me and failed to deliver the item despite written demands.”

Not attaching proof of identity and address

Summons and subpoenas require addresses. If the respondent’s address is wrong or incomplete, service becomes difficult and delays the case.

Ignoring prescription periods

Legal claims have deadlines.

For crimes under the Revised Penal Code, Article 90 provides prescription periods depending on the penalty. Some offenses prescribe quickly, such as certain light offenses, oral defamation, or similar offenses. Civil actions also have prescriptive periods, such as actions based on written contracts, oral contracts, injury to rights, or quasi-delict under the Civil Code.

Delay can permanently weaken or bar a claim.

Filing emotionally without organizing evidence

Many valid complaints fail because the documents are disorganized. Arrange annexes chronologically. Label them clearly: Annex A, Annex B, Annex C. Create a timeline. Make it easy for the prosecutor, judge, labor arbiter, or hearing officer to understand the story.

Practical Timeline: How Long Filing Usually Takes

Actual timelines vary by city, province, docket congestion, complexity, and whether parties cooperate.

Stage	Practical timeline
Barangay complaint	Often days to several weeks; delays if parties do not appear
Police blotter	Same day
Medico-legal examination	Same day to several days, depending on facility
Prosecutor filing and evaluation	Several weeks to months, depending on office workload
SEnA labor conciliation	30 calendar days is the standard conciliation period
Small claims	Designed to be faster than ordinary civil cases; actual timing depends on court calendar and service
Ordinary civil case	Months to years depending on issues, service, mediation, trial, and court docket
Administrative agency complaint	Varies widely by agency and complexity

The biggest bottlenecks are usually incomplete evidence, wrong addresses, failed service of notices, absence of parties, overloaded dockets, and unclear claims.

Required Documents Checklist

General documents

Valid government ID
Full name and address of respondent
Chronological summary of facts
Evidence folder
Witness names and contact details
Affidavits, if required
Demand letter, if applicable
Proof of prior barangay proceedings, if required

For criminal complaints

Complaint-affidavit
Witness affidavits
Police blotter, if any
Medical certificate or medico-legal report, if injuries are involved
Photos, videos, screenshots, receipts, transaction records
Investigation Data Form for prosecutor’s office
Copies for each respondent plus office copies, depending on the prosecutor’s requirements

For civil complaints

Draft complaint
Verification and certification against forum shopping, when required
Annexes proving the claim
Barangay Certificate to File Action, if required
Filing fee assessment
Special power of attorney if filed through an authorized representative
Corporate secretary’s certificate or board resolution if a corporation is filing

For labor complaints

Request for Assistance form or online filing details
Employment proof
Payslips, time records, HR notices
Computation of unpaid benefits
Termination or suspension documents
Employer’s business name and address

For Filipinos abroad or foreigners

Passport or foreign ID
Philippine address or local representative details
Special Power of Attorney, often notarized and apostilled if executed abroad
Translations of foreign-language documents, if needed
Apostilled foreign public documents, where required
Proof of Philippine transaction, property, employment, marriage, or incident

Special Considerations for Filipinos Abroad and Foreigners

A Filipino abroad can file or support a complaint in the Philippines, but practical issues arise: signing affidavits, authenticating documents, and appearing in proceedings.

If you are abroad, you may need a Special Power of Attorney authorizing someone in the Philippines to file, receive notices, or coordinate documents. If the SPA is signed abroad, Philippine offices may require notarization before a foreign notary and an apostille under the Apostille Convention, if the country is a member. If executed before a Philippine embassy or consulate, consular acknowledgment may apply depending on the document and location.

Foreigners may file complaints in the Philippines if the act, transaction, property, or legal relationship falls within Philippine jurisdiction. However, some areas have special rules. For example, land ownership is restricted under the Philippine Constitution, so property disputes involving foreigners may require careful review of the actual right being enforced: lease rights, condominium rights, reimbursement, corporate shares, inheritance issues, or contract claims.

Foreign-language evidence should be translated. For court use, certified translation may be required.

How to Write a Strong Complaint Narrative

A good complaint is clear, factual, and complete. It should answer:

Who are the parties?
What happened?
When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
How did the respondent violate your right or the law?
What proof supports each fact?
What remedy are you asking for?

Use a simple timeline:

Date	Event	Evidence
January 10, 2026	Respondent borrowed ₱80,000 and signed a promissory note	Annex A - Promissory Note
February 10, 2026	Due date passed without payment	Annex A
February 15, 2026	Demand sent by email and Messenger	Annex B - Screenshots
March 1, 2026	Respondent admitted debt but refused to pay	Annex C - Chat screenshots
March 20, 2026	Barangay conciliation failed	Annex D - Certificate to File Action

This format helps decision-makers see the link between facts and evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a legal complaint in the Philippines?

Identify the type of case first. Barangay disputes go to the barangay if covered by Katarungang Pambarangay. Crimes usually require a complaint-affidavit filed with the prosecutor or reported to police for investigation. Civil cases are filed in court. Labor issues commonly start with DOLE SEnA. Prepare a written statement, attach evidence, file in the correct office, and monitor notices.

Is a barangay complaint required before filing a case in court?

For many disputes between individuals living in the same city or municipality, yes. Barangay conciliation may be a condition before filing in court. If settlement fails, ask for the Certificate to File Action. But barangay conciliation is not required for all cases, especially serious crimes, urgent court remedies, government-party cases, corporation-party cases, and matters governed by special procedures.

Can I file a criminal complaint without a lawyer?

Yes. Many complainants file complaint-affidavits directly with the prosecutor’s office or seek police assistance first. However, the affidavit must clearly state facts and attach evidence. For complex offenses such as estafa, cybercrime, falsification, or corporate fraud, technical elements matter, so the complaint should be carefully prepared.

What is the difference between a police blotter and a complaint?

A police blotter is an official record that an incident was reported to the police. A complaint is a formal legal filing asking an office, prosecutor, court, or agency to act. A blotter may support your evidence, but it usually does not start a criminal case in court by itself.

Where do I file a complaint for unpaid debt in the Philippines?

If the parties are individuals covered by barangay conciliation, start at the barangay. If unresolved, you may file a small claims case or ordinary civil action depending on the amount and nature of the claim. For pure money claims within the small claims rules, the case may be filed in the proper first-level court using small claims forms.

How do I file a complaint for online scam or cybercrime?

Preserve all digital evidence immediately: screenshots, URLs, account names, transaction receipts, phone numbers, email headers, and chat history. Report to the police cybercrime unit, NBI Cybercrime Division, or prosecutor’s office depending on the facts. You may need a complaint-affidavit and digital evidence showing identity, deceit, payment, and damage.

How long does a complaint take in the Philippines?

It depends on the forum. A police blotter may be done the same day. Barangay proceedings may take days to weeks. DOLE SEnA uses a 30-day conciliation period. Prosecutor investigations may take weeks or months. Court cases can take longer, especially if summons, evidence, or hearings are contested.

Can someone abroad file a complaint in the Philippines?

Yes, if the Philippine office or court has jurisdiction over the incident, transaction, property, or person involved. The person abroad may need a notarized and apostilled Special Power of Attorney, sworn affidavits, authenticated documents, and a local representative for practical coordination.

What happens after I file a criminal complaint-affidavit?

The prosecutor evaluates the complaint, may issue subpoenas, require counter-affidavits, review evidence, and issue a resolution. If the prosecutor finds sufficient basis under the applicable standard, an Information is filed in court. If not, the complaint may be dismissed, subject to available remedies under DOJ rules.

Can I withdraw a complaint after filing?

It depends on the type of case. In civil, barangay, labor, or administrative matters, settlement or withdrawal may be possible subject to approval. In criminal cases, once the State is involved, the complainant’s withdrawal does not automatically end the case. The prosecutor or court may still proceed if evidence supports prosecution.

Key Takeaways

The correct place to file depends on the type of complaint: barangay, prosecutor, court, DOLE/NLRC, or a special agency.
A police blotter documents an incident but is not the same as a filed criminal case.
Barangay conciliation is required for many local disputes before court filing.
Criminal complaints usually need a sworn complaint-affidavit and supporting evidence.
Civil complaints must show a clear cause of action, correct jurisdiction, proper venue, and payment of filing fees.
Labor disputes commonly begin with DOLE SEnA, a 30-day conciliation-mediation process.
Evidence should be preserved early, organized chronologically, and attached clearly.
Deadlines and prescription periods matter; waiting too long can weaken or bar a claim.
Filipinos abroad and foreigners can file Philippine complaints when jurisdiction exists, but notarization, apostille, translation, and representation issues should be planned carefully.
A strong complaint focuses on facts, dates, documents, witnesses, and the specific remedy requested.