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)
Hannah Magee
Cardiff CF10 3BZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cardiff
19 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Ranked in Chambers and Partners as the 'Associate to watch', Hannah Magee is a family law specialist and deals with all areas of family law including divorce, cohabitation disputes, children and ancillary financial matters. Hannah is a member...
Kay WINSTON
Bristol BS7 8BH
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bristol
44 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 44 years of experience in the legal profession, Kay Winston is a highly skilled solicitor specializing in Wills, Trusts, and Estate matters. A graduate of Aberystwyth University College of Wales, Kay has worked extensively within the Private...
Christian Browne
Leicestershire LE16 7WB
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Leicestershire
28 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Christian Browne, known as Chris, is a highly experienced lawyer based in Leicestershire with 28 years of legal practice. Specializing in corporate, commercial, and intellectual property law, Chris provides expert legal advice to businesses and individuals. His expertise...
Jay Shah
East Sussex BN21 4PX
Social welfare and housing Solicitor East Sussex
19 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Jay Shah is a Partner and Solicitor in the Criminal Defence Department. Jay graduated from Sheffield Hallum University with Law LLB (Hons.) and completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of West of England – Bristol Institute...
Richard Boateng
Middlesex HA1 3RA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Middlesex
24 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Richard Boateng is a solicitor based in Middlesex with 24 years of experience across multiple legal disciplines, including criminal law, employment law, family law, immigration, bankruptcy, and consumer rights. His extensive expertise and dynamic approach enable him to...
