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)
Simi Dhanjal
Surrey KT16 0RS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Surrey
10 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Simi Dhanjal is an immigration solicitor based in Surrey, with 10 years of experience, specializing in immigration law, business, and human rights. She does not accept legal aid. Simi is deeply passionate about equality and human rights, which...
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,...
Sarah-Jane Riddell
East Sussex BN3 5AA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor East Sussex
32 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sarah-Jane collaborative family lawyer and accredited mediator specialising in family law since 1993 at a range of large regional and smaller local firms; offers mediation (including MIAMs) with regard to all issues relating to both children and finances;...
Sandeep LAKHANI
Harrow HA1 1BQ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Harrow
37 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sandeep Lakhani is a highly experienced lawyer based in Harrow, with an impressive 37-year career in conveyancing and property law. Specializing in landlord and tenant matters, land and property transactions, and residential conveyancing, he provides expert legal guidance...
David WINNETT
Nottingham NG1 5BS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Nottingham
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
David Winnett is a highly experienced family law solicitor and a partner in the Family Law Team at Hopkins Solicitors in Nottingham, with 29 years of experience in the field. He qualified in 1996 and joined the firm...
