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)
Hollie Symon
Southend-on-Sea SS2 6HZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Southend-on-Sea
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Hollie obtained her LLB (Hons) in 2009, before passing the Legal Practice Course with distinction in 2010 at Anglia Ruskin University. Hollie undertook her training contract at an Essex firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Hollie...
Pardeep Jassal
Dudley DY1 1JF
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Dudley
13 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
I head the Family Department at Wright Solicitors and undertake supervision for the relevant staff. My experience in Family matters is extensive and I have acted for parties involved in divorce proceedings, dissolution of civil partnership proceedings and...
Diarmuid McKeown
Belfast BT1 3GN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Belfast
47 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Free first consultation of 30 min
Areas of Practice Personal Injury My firm McKeowns is recognised as a leading Personal Injury practice within Northern Ireland. Our approach to handling claims has been centred entirely on caring for clients. From the moment of instruction until...
Amy Sutton
Manchester M3 2WJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Manchester
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Amy Sutton is a dedicated residential conveyancer based in Manchester, with 9 years of experience in property law. Known for her award-winning service, Amy provides expert guidance in all aspects of residential conveyancing, ensuring smooth and efficient property...
Anne Shears
Plymouth PL4 9BD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Plymouth
18 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Anne Shears is a solicitor based in Plymouth with 18 years of experience specializing in family law and divorce. She provides expert legal services tailored to resolving financial matters and family disputes. In Family Law and Divorce, Anne...