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)
Yvonne STEVENS
London E5 8DS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
22 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Yvonne Stevens is the sole practitioner at Owens Stevens Solicitors, based in Hackney, East London. With over 30 years of experience in immigration, nationality, and European law, Yvonne has developed a strong reputation for providing expert legal services...
Mike WRAGG
Amersham HP6 5BW
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Amersham
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Mike Wragg is the Head of Residential Property at Lennons Solicitors, a well-established law firm in Buckinghamshire with offices in Chesham, Amersham, and Beaconsfield. With 17 years of experience, Mike specialises in all aspects of residential property law,...
James Chaplin
London W6 7PJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
Does not accept legal aid
James qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and specialises in civil litigation, employment, crime and extradition. James has higher rights of audience in criminal courts which allows him to represent clients in the Crown Court and all Criminal...
Jacqueline MCCAULAY
Surrey SM3 9AA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Surrey
25 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Jacqueline McCaulay is a highly experienced family law solicitor based in Surrey, with 24 years of expertise in divorce, matrimonial finance, and children matters. She provides tailored legal solutions to clients facing complex family law issues, ensuring a...
Amanda Rimmer
Wigan WN3 5BA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Wigan
33 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
I am a Partner in the family law team at Stephensons. I joined Stephensons in 1992 and have specialised in family law ever since. Separation and family disputes can bring a variety of situations which require careful management,...
