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)
Philippa Cobb
London W10 5AD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
33 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Having studied Law at the University of Birmingham, I have been practising as a solicitor specialising in commercial property for over 20 years. I advise a broad range of clients on a variety of commercial property issues, including...
Simon Cook
London NW10 4UA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
40 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Simon Cook, an independent lawyer in London, specializes in employment litigation, civil litigation, bankruptcy, consumer rights, and healthcare law. With over 39 years of experience, Simon Cook offers comprehensive legal services in various areas, including: Employment Litigation: Representing employees...
Jennifer Owusu-Barnieh
Middlesex HA1 3RA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Middlesex
16 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Jennifer Owusu-Barnieh is a senior solicitor and co-founder of Danbar Solicitors, based in Middlesex. With over 15 years of experience, she is a highly skilled lawyer specializing in employment law, civil litigation, family law, and immigration matters. As...
Christopher SHEPHERD
London SW19 INE
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
Does not accept legal aid
Fluent in English and German, Christopher Shepherd is a highly skilled solicitor specializing in civil litigation, dispute resolution, and estate matters. As a Partner with extensive experience representing clients up to High Court level, he is dedicated to...
Catherine Dumbleton-Moore
Kent TN12 0AP
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Kent
16 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Dumbleton-Moore is a highly experienced family law solicitor based in Kent, with 15 years of expertise in handling a wide range of family-related legal matters. She joined her firm in 2003 and began her legal studies with...