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 Conveyancing (domaine de droit rattaché pour Social welfare and housing)
Liz Garratt
Derbyshire DE55 7DD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Derbyshire
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 18 years of experience, Liz Garratt is a highly skilled Private Client Solicitor specializing in Conveyancing, Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Having been in the legal profession since 2007, Liz offers a compassionate and client-focused approach to legal...
Colum Murray
London SW18 1GN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
46 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Colum Murray is a highly experienced solicitor based in London, with over 46 years of legal practice. He is a partner at his firm, specializing in all aspects of property law, particularly commercial property and business-related matters. Colum...
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...
Shah Ali
London E1 2LX
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shah Ali is a highly accomplished solicitor based in London, with 13 years of experience in family law, immigration, intellectual property, bankruptcy, conveyancing, and wills, trusts, and estates. As the founding Senior Partner of Waterstone Solicitors, he has...
Mark Cairns
Derbyshire DE55 7DD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Derbyshire
41 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 41 years of experience, Mark Cairns is a seasoned solicitor specializing in residential and commercial conveyancing, wills, trusts, estates, and neighbour disputes. Having joined Rickards & Cleaver in 1986 and later becoming a Partner, he has a...