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)
Ekra Afzal
Halifax HX1 2QR
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Halifax
10 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Free first consultation of 30 min
Ekra Afzal is a dedicated solicitor based in West Yorkshire, with nine years of experience in immigration, personal injury, and criminal injury compensation claims including sensitive and complex cases involving domestic and sexual abuse.She has a strong track record of securing justice for vulnerable clients, many of whom...
Bradie Pell
Sheffield S1 2DD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Sheffield
15 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Recommended in the Legal 500 2020, I am a partner and the head of the family law department at Graysons and have specialised in family law now for a number of years. With significant experience in family law,...
Hollingsworth Edwards Solicitors
Solicitor London W6
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
5 Solicitors
Does not accept legal aid
Hollingsworth Edwards is a highly reputable and successful law firm based in West London, representing clients across the UK and internationally. With expertise in a wide range of legal areas, including criminal law, fraud, employment, family law, divorce,...
Anne Shears
Plymouth PL4 9BD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Plymouth
19 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...
Qarrar SOMJI
Birmingham B12 0NS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
12 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...
