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Forms, templates
& how to file.

Download official SC forms, follow step-by-step filing instructions, and copy our complaint templates — with a real filled example.

Step-by-Step Guide
How to File Your Case
Choose your case type. Each step tells you exactly what to do, what to bring, and what to watch out for.
1
Before Filing

Confirm your case qualifies for Small Claims

Small claims only covers money disputes of ₱400,000 or below between individuals. Not for property disputes, family law, or employment issues.

  • Unpaid loans, bounced checks, unpaid rent — YES
  • Security deposit not returned — YES
  • Moral damages only — NO
  • Claims above ₱400,000 — NO (use MTC)
2
Before Filing

Send a formal demand letter first

The court will ask if you demanded payment before filing. Give at least 15 days to pay. Send via registered mail and keep the registry return card — this becomes Exhibit D.

Tip: Save text messages and Viber chats as native .txt or HTML exports — printed screenshots alone may be questioned under the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
3
Before Filing

Go to the Barangay first (if required)

If you and the defendant both live in the same city or municipality, barangay conciliation is mandatory. The Lupon Tagapamayapa will issue a Certificate to File Action (CFA) — you cannot file in court without it.

Warning: Skipping barangay when required results in outright dismissal. You lose your filing fee and must start over.
4
Before Filing

Download and fill out Form 1-SCC

Get the official Form 1-SCC from the Supreme Court (link below). Fill pages 1–6. Print on A4 or 8½×13" bond paper, single-sided, 1.5 line spacing, Arial or Times New Roman 12pt.

  • Be specific about the amount — break down principal and interest separately
  • Label all exhibits: Exhibit A, B, C… in sequence
  • Make original + one copy per defendant + one extra for yourself
5
Before Filing

Get your form notarized — or do it at the court for free

You can swear your Form 1-SCC before the Clerk of Court at the filing office, free of charge. A notary public charges ₱100–₱300 per document. No need to go to a notary first if you do it at the court.

6
At the Court

Go to the Office of the Clerk of Court

Bring everything in a long brown envelope labeled "SMALL CLAIMS — [YOUR NAME] vs. [DEFENDANT NAME]". Go to the Clerk of Court's office — not the judge's room. The docketing clerk pre-assesses your fees before you pay at the cashier.

  • Filled and notarized Form 1-SCC (original + copies)
  • All exhibits, tabbed and paginated
  • Barangay Certificate to File Action (if required)
  • Original demand letter + proof of delivery
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Cash for the exact filing fee (use our calculator to prepare)
7
At the Court

Pay your fees and get your Official Receipt

After the docketing clerk assesses, pay at the cashier. Keep the Official Receipt (OR) — attach the original to your case documents, keep a photocopy. The court will send summons to the defendant automatically.

8
At the Court

Wait for your hearing date (usually within 30 days)

Unlike regular civil cases, you do NOT need to personally serve summons. The court does this using Form 2-SCC. Double-check the defendant's complete address before filing — a returned summons can result in dismissal.

9
Hearing Day

Appear on hearing day with your originals

Both you and the defendant must appear in person. No lawyers allowed. The judge will try mediation first; if that fails, the case is decided on the same day based on your documents.

  • Bring originals of ALL exhibits — not just photocopies
  • Be ready to explain your case simply in 5 minutes or less
  • A partial settlement today beats a delayed full judgment
10
After the Hearing

Enforce the judgment if the defendant still doesn't pay

Execution is NOT automatic. File a Motion for Execution with the Clerk of Court. The sheriff can then garnish the defendant's bank account or seize property to satisfy the judgment. Sheriff's fee deposit (₱1,000–₱2,000) is recoverable from the defendant.

1
Before Filing

Determine the correct court level

MTC/MTCC: ₱400,001 to ₱2,000,000. RTC: above ₱2,000,000. Filing in the wrong level results in dismissal.

2
Before Filing

Send demand letter and complete barangay step

Same as small claims — send a formal demand letter, wait 15 days, then complete barangay conciliation if required. Obtain your Certificate to File Action.

3
Before Filing

Prepare a Verified Complaint

Regular civil cases do not use Form 1-SCC. You need a formal Verified Complaint — numbered paragraphs, a cause of action, and a prayer for relief. Strongly recommend consulting a lawyer for amounts above ₱500,000.

4
At the Court

File at the Clerk of Court and pay all fees

Pay your docket fee, Legal Research Fund, Victim Compensation Fund, sheriff's trust fund deposit (₱1,000–₱2,000), and mediation fee (₱1,000). Do not understate your claim — filing fees are jurisdictional.

5
Litigation

Attend pre-trial and hearings

Expect: defendant's Answer (15–30 days), Pre-Trial Conference, mediation through the Philippine Mediation Center, then actual trial if no settlement. Regular civil cases can take months to years. A lawyer is strongly advised.

1
Before Filing

Confirm NLRC covers your dispute

NLRC handles employer-employee disputes only. Independent contractor vs. client disputes go to regular courts. Government employee disputes go to the Civil Service Commission.

  • Illegal dismissal — YES (file within 4 years)
  • Unpaid wages and benefits — YES (file within 3 years)
  • Freelancer vs. client — NO (regular court)
2
Before Filing

Gather your employment documents

  • Employment contract or offer letter
  • Payslips (as many as you have)
  • Termination letter or notice (if dismissed)
  • Company ID and SSS records showing employer contributions
  • Text messages or emails with your employer
3
Before Filing

No barangay step required for labor cases

Labor cases at the NLRC are exempt from barangay conciliation. Go directly to the NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch (RAB) that covers your employer's location.

4
At the NLRC

File at the NLRC RAB and pay the filing fee

Get the official complaint form from the RAB office. Fill it out, attach supporting documents, submit to the docket clerk, and pay the filing fee. For illegal dismissal, you have 4 years to file. For money claims, 3 years. Do not delay.

5
After Filing

Attend mandatory SEnA conciliation

The NLRC schedules a Single Entry Approach (SEnA) conference — a mandatory 30-day conciliation-mediation period. If no settlement, the case is referred to a Labor Arbiter. The full NLRC process typically takes 6 months to 2 years.

Official Sources
Official Forms — Direct SC & NLRC Links
These are the actual forms issued by the Supreme Court and NLRC. The Clerk of Court will reject any non-SC form — do not use homemade versions.
Small Claims

Form 1-SCC — Statement of Claim

The main form for filing a small claims case. Fill out pages 1–6, notarize, and bring copies for each defendant.

Download PDF (SC / OCA) →
Small Claims

All Small Claims Forms (SC Page)

Access Forms 1-SCC through 10-SCC — the complete set including the response form, decision template, and indigency affidavit (Form 6-SCC).

Go to SC Small Claims Page →
Labor / NLRC

NLRC Complaint Form

Official complaint form for filing labor cases before the NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch.

Go to NLRC Forms Page →
Barangay

Katarungang Pambarangay Rules

R.A. 7160 Chapter VII — the law requiring barangay conciliation before court filing in covered disputes.

Read the Law (Lawphil) →
Fee Rules

Rule 141 — Legal Fees

The Supreme Court's authoritative fee schedule for all Philippine courts — the basis for all calculations on this site.

SC Filing Fees Page →
Small Claims

Form 1-SCC — Bisaya Version

Official Visayan (Cebuano) version of Form 1-SCC issued by the Supreme Court. Same legal effect.

Download PDF (SC) →
Template
Small Claims Complaint Template
Use this as a writing guide when filling out Form 1-SCC. Replace all [BRACKETED FIELDS] with your actual information. You must still use the official SC form — this is a guide, not a substitute.
small-claims-template.txt
Republic of the Philippines [NAME OF CITY/MUNICIPALITY] [COURT TYPE, e.g., Metropolitan Trial Court] Branch [NUMBER], [CITY] [PLAINTIFF'S FULL NAME], Plaintiff, - versus - Case No.: ___________ (filled by court) [DEFENDANT'S FULL NAME], Defendant. PLAINTIFF'S STATEMENT OF CLAIM (Form 1-SCC) 1. PARTIES PLAINTIFF: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME] Address: [Complete address — barangay, city/municipality, province, zip code] Contact No.: [Phone] / Email: [Email] DEFENDANT: [DEFENDANT'S FULL LEGAL NAME] Address: [Complete address — barangay, city/municipality, province, zip code] 2. AMOUNT OF CLAIM Total: P [AMOUNT IN FIGURES] ([AMOUNT IN WORDS] Pesos) Principal amount owed: P [PRINCIPAL] Interest at [RATE]% per [year/month] from [DATE] to date of filing: P [INTEREST] ───────────────────────────────── TOTAL: P [TOTAL] 3. REASON FOR CLAIM [Explain clearly why the defendant owes you money. Example: "On [DATE], plaintiff lent defendant the sum of P[AMOUNT] as evidenced by a Promissory Note signed by defendant on the same date. The loan was due on [DUE DATE]. Despite repeated demands, defendant has failed and refused to pay."] Attached supporting documents: Exhibit A — [e.g., Promissory Note dated ________] Exhibit B — [e.g., GCash receipt showing transfer] Exhibit C — [e.g., Demand Letter dated _____] Exhibit D — [e.g., Registry Return Card / proof of delivery] 4. PRIOR DEMAND Did you ask the defendant to pay before filing? [X] YES [ ] NO How did you demand payment? [X] Written demand letter sent on: [DATE] [ ] Text/messaging app [ ] In person 5. BARANGAY CONCILIATION [ ] Barangay conciliation completed. Certificate to File Action attached. [ ] Not required because: [ ] Parties in different cities/municipalities [ ] Defendant is a corporation 6. VERIFICATION I, [YOUR FULL NAME], after being duly sworn, state that I am the plaintiff in this case; that all allegations are true and correct based on my personal knowledge and authentic documents; and that I have not filed any other action involving the same issues. ______________________________ Date: _____________ [YOUR FULL NAME], Plaintiff SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me this ___ day of _________, 20___. ______________________________ Notary Public / Clerk of Court / Barangay Chairperson WHEREFORE, plaintiff prays for judgment ordering defendant to pay: 1. The principal amount of P [AMOUNT]; 2. Interest at [RATE]% per annum from [DATE] until fully paid; 3. Filing and court costs. [DATE AND PLACE OF FILING] ______________________________ [YOUR FULL NAME], Plaintiff
Filled Example
Completed Example: Unpaid Personal Loan
A real Form 1-SCC filled in — fictional names for illustration only. Scenario: friend borrowed ₱80,000 and refused to pay.
filled-example-unpaid-loan.txt
Republic of the Philippines Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court — Branch 40, Quezon City MARIA SANTOS REYES, Plaintiff, - versus - Case No.: ___________ (filled by court) JUAN DELA CRUZ BAUTISTA, Defendant. 1. PARTIES PLAINTIFF: MARIA SANTOS REYES Address: Unit 3B, Sunrise Apartments, 14 Mapagbigay St., Brgy. Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1126 Contact No.: 0917-555-1234 / Email: mariareyes@email.com DEFENDANT: JUAN DELA CRUZ BAUTISTA Address: 27 Mabini Extension, Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1127 Contact No.: 0922-555-5678 2. AMOUNT OF CLAIM Total: P 86,000.00 (Eighty-Six Thousand Pesos) Principal amount lent: P 80,000.00 Interest at 12% per annum from January 15, 2024 to April 15, 2025 (15 months): P 6,000.00 ───────────────────────────────── TOTAL: P 86,000.00 3. REASON FOR CLAIM On January 15, 2024, plaintiff lent defendant the sum of P80,000.00 (Eighty Thousand Pesos) for personal use, evidenced by a Promissory Note signed by defendant on the same date. The loan was due and demandable on July 15, 2024, with interest at 12% per annum. Despite the due date having long passed, defendant has failed and refused to pay, despite multiple verbal reminders and one formal written demand letter sent on August 1, 2024 via registered mail, with proof of receipt. Attached supporting documents: Exhibit A — Promissory Note signed by Juan Dela Cruz Bautista, dated January 15, 2024 Exhibit B — GCash transaction receipt showing transfer of P80,000.00 to defendant, dated January 15, 2024 Exhibit C — Demand Letter dated August 1, 2024 Exhibit D — Registry Return Card / proof of delivery 4. PRIOR DEMAND Did you ask the defendant to pay before filing? [X] YES How: [X] Written demand letter sent on August 1, 2024 [X] Text/messaging app (multiple times from July 2024) 5. BARANGAY CONCILIATION [X] Barangay conciliation completed. Certificate to File Action issued by Brgy. Batasan Hills Lupon on March 10, 2025. Attached as Exhibit E. 6. VERIFICATION I, MARIA SANTOS REYES, after being duly sworn, state that I am the plaintiff; that all allegations are true and correct; and that I have not filed any other action involving the same issues. ______________________________ April 15, 2025 MARIA SANTOS REYES, Plaintiff SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me this 15th day of April, 2025. ______________________________ Clerk of Court, Branch 40 WHEREFORE, plaintiff prays for judgment ordering defendant to pay: 1. Principal amount of P80,000.00; 2. Interest at 12% per annum from January 15, 2024; 3. Filing and court costs of P1,010.00. April 15, 2025, Quezon City ______________________________ MARIA SANTOS REYES, Plaintiff ──────────────────────────────────────────── FILING DAY CHECKLIST: [X] Form 1-SCC (original + 2 copies) [X] Exhibit A: Promissory Note (original + 2 copies) [X] Exhibit B: GCash receipt (original + 2 copies) [X] Exhibit C: Demand Letter (original + 2 copies) [X] Exhibit D: Registry Return Card (original + 2 copies) [X] Exhibit E: Barangay Certificate to File Action (original + 2 copies) [X] Valid government-issued ID [X] Cash: P1,010.00 (or GCash + P15 convenience fee) [X] Long brown envelope: "SMALL CLAIMS — REYES vs. BAUTISTA"
Bonus Template
Demand Letter Template
Send this before filing. Courts require proof that you demanded payment first. Send via registered mail and keep the registry return card as Exhibit D.
demand-letter-template.txt
[YOUR FULL NAME] [Your Complete Address] [City, Province, ZIP] [Date] [DEFENDANT'S FULL NAME] [Defendant's Complete Address] RE: FORMAL DEMAND FOR PAYMENT Principal Amount: P [AMOUNT] Dear [DEFENDANT'S NAME], This letter serves as a formal and final demand for you to pay the sum of P [AMOUNT] ([AMOUNT IN WORDS] Pesos), representing the [loan / unpaid balance / security deposit / service fees] due to me as described below. DETAILS OF THE OBLIGATION: Nature of debt: [Brief description] Date incurred: [Date] Original amount: P [Amount] Interest accrued: P [Amount] Total now due: P [Total] Despite previous requests for payment, you have failed to settle this obligation to date. You are hereby given [15] days from receipt of this letter to pay the full amount. Payment may be made via: GCash: [Your GCash number] Bank: [Bank, Account name, Account number] Should you fail to pay within the period stated, I will file the appropriate legal action in Small Claims Court without further notice. You will also be liable for court costs. Very truly yours, ______________________________ [YOUR FULL NAME] [Your Contact Number] Note: Send via registered mail. Keep the registry return card.

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