Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cwmbran
29 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)
Dr. Donald Macfarlane
London EC4V 5EF
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
22 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Dr. Macfarlane represents all sizes of business covering all their corporate and commercial needs. Whether it is contract reviews or an acquisition of or for your business. As a trusted adviser he brings experience, technical, governance and compliance...
Kay WINSTON
Bristol BS7 8BH
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bristol
44 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 44 years of experience in the legal profession, Kay Winston is a highly skilled solicitor specializing in Wills, Trusts, and Estate matters. A graduate of Aberystwyth University College of Wales, Kay has worked extensively within the Private...
Kajal Patel
Harrow HA1 1BQ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Harrow
14 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Kajal Patel is a highly skilled solicitor with 14 years of experience, specializing in commercial property, corporate, and business transactions. She began her career at a City firm and continued working in the City after qualification. For the...
Qarrar SOMJI
Birmingham B12 0NS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
11 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Qarrar Somji is a solicitor based in Birmingham, specializing in a wide range of legal areas, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Court Claims, Defamation, Dispute Resolution, Divorce, Employment Law, Family Law, Insolvency, Landlord & Tenant Litigation, Neighbour Disputes, Tribunals, Trust & Estate Disputes, and Wills. With his extensive experience across...
Jai SINGH
London EC2N 1HN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Jai is a senior legal consultant with the Alston Asquith corporate/commercial team with extensive international and London City work experience. A Cambridge University Law alumnus, Jai has particular expertise in relation to complex transactions, including in the areas...
