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)
Roy MAGARA
Bicester OX27 8BL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bicester
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shortlisted for the Modern Law Awards 2025 'Rising Star of the Year', and with over a decade of experience, Roy is dedicated to understanding what results you need; providing you with an informed basis upon which to make...
Ademola AKILO
Luton LU1 2QH
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Luton
27 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Ademola AKILO, a lawyer based in Luton, brings over 27 years of experience in a wide range of legal fields, including criminal law, fraud, motoring, family law, divorce, civil partnerships, immigration litigation, court claims, and healthcare law. Ademola...
James Tomkins
London NW10 4UA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
32 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
James Tomkins is a highly experienced litigation and dispute resolution lawyer based in London, with 32 years of expertise in civil, commercial, and employment law. He is a Director at Hodders Law Limited and leads the firm's Litigation...
Sophie DONOVAN
West Midlands DY14 9HZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor West Midlands
12 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sophie Donovan is an experienced solicitor based in the West Midlands, specializing in a wide range of legal areas, including family law, Wills and probate, debt recovery, and residential conveyancing. With 12 years of experience in the legal...
Hallmark Solicitors Limited
Birmingham B4 6AT
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
Does not accept legal aid
Hallmark Solicitors Limited is a law firm based in Birmingham, UK, providing expert legal services in family law, financial disputes, and private client matters. The firm assists clients with a wide range of family-related issues, including divorce, nullity,...
