Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cwmbran
30 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran & Barry and cover South wales & Bristol, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of...
What does social welfare & housing involve?
- Homelessness assistance: Applying to local authorities for housing support, challenging unsuitable temporary accommodation, or appealing a homelessness decision.
- Housing benefit and Universal Credit: Disputing eligibility or payment amounts, and navigating appeals processes if a claim is refused or reduced.
- Social housing rights: Understanding your rights as a tenant of a council or housing association, including security of tenure and succession rights.
- Disrepair and maintenance: Holding social landlords accountable for unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, and seeking compensation where necessary.
- Evictions and possession proceedings: Addressing rent arrears, anti-social behaviour allegations, and legal defences to prevent unlawful evictions.
How can a solicitor help with social welfare & housing, and what does it cost?
A specialist solicitor or housing adviser can:
- Provide advice and representation: Explaining your entitlements, filling in forms, and challenging negative decisions from councils or benefit agencies.
- Negotiate with landlords and local authorities: Seeking repairs, preventing eviction, or improving living conditions through dialogue or mediation.
- Appeal in court or tribunals: If negotiations fail, a solicitor can present your case before a judge or tribunal, ensuring legal procedures are correctly followed.
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether legal aid is available. Some individuals qualify for legal aid, which can cover part or all of a solicitor’s fees in housing matters. Otherwise, rates typically range from £100–£300 per hour, though some firms may offer fixed-fee or reduced-fee arrangements for certain cases. An initial consultation—often free or at a low cost—can help you understand your options, likely expenses, and the best steps to secure safe, stable housing.
5 Solicitors (domaine de droit rattaché pour Social welfare and housing)
Brenda Alleyne
London EC4V 5EF
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
21 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Brenda is a dynamic member of our property department and prides herself in making your property transaction run as smoothly and as stress-free as possible. She has established a highly–respected reputation for her speed and efficiency and for...
Bestin Joseph
London E18 1JL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
21 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Bestin Joseph is a highly skilled and experienced lawyer based in London, specializing in Immigration, Conveyancing, and Business and Human Rights. With over 20 years of practice, Bestin is dedicated to providing efficient, stress-free solutions for his clients,...
Laura THORPE
Sheffield S9 1TP
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Sheffield
19 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, Laura Thorpe is a dedicated lawyer based in Sheffield, specializing in Employment Law and Civil Litigation. She has a strong focus on providing effective legal solutions for clients dealing with...
David Pritchard
London EC4V 5EF
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
17 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
David Pritchard is a seasoned litigation and dispute resolution solicitor based in London, with 16 years of experience handling a broad range of complex legal matters. As a partner at SBP Law, he represents corporate clients, individuals, and...
Rakhi Singal
London WC2B 9RZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
14 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
I am Founder and Director at RVS Solicitors. Years of experience in Family Law, have led me to heading our Family Law Department, where I lead a team of equally talented lawyers with a passion for Family Law....