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)
John Cato
Birmingham B12 0NS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
36 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 36 years of experience, John Cato is a highly skilled solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate, providing expert legal services in employment law, family law, divorce, litigation, and dispute resolution. His ability to represent clients in court allows for a...
Thushara Collins
Benfleet SS7 5LD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Benfleet
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Thushara Collins, a lawyer based in Benfleet, brings 18 years of experience in family law, property matters, and estate planning, providing dedicated legal services to clients. Fluent in English, French, Hindi, and Punjabi, Thushara specializes in various areas,...
James Melvin
Guildford GU1 2AB
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Guildford
26 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
James Melvin, an independent lawyer in Guildford, specializes in criminal law, fraud, and motoring offenses. With over 26 years of experience, James Melvin offers comprehensive legal services in various areas, including: Criminal Defense: Representing clients facing criminal charges, ensuring...
James Byrne
Stockport SK5 7DL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Stockport
34 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
James Byrne is an experienced solicitor based in Stockport, with a career spanning over four decades. He graduated from Manchester University Law School in 1986 and qualified as a solicitor in 1990. Throughout his extensive career, James has...
Sidra SIDDIQUI
Guildford GU1 4AW
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Guildford
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sidra Siddiqui is a dedicated solicitor based in Guildford, specializing in Conveyancing and property law. With 9 years of experience, Sidra represents a wide range of clients, including private individuals, companies, lenders, and developers, in both residential and...
