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)
Giselle BROWN
Leeds LS1 3HB
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Leeds
8 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Giselle Brown is the founder of GDB Legal, a boutique immigration firm providing personalised service at an affordable price. The firm specialises in helping individuals and families, as well as corporations, obtain UK visas and permits. With 17...
Jo Walia
London SW16 2NJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
23 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 23 years of experience, Jo Walia provides expert legal advice in family law, litigation, and civil disputes. Specializing in resolving complex cases through mediation, Jo is committed to offering clear guidance and pursuing settlement where appropriate. Areas...
Ratika PURI KAPUR
London NW1 5RA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
3 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Ratika qualified as a solicitor and admitted to the roll of Solicitors by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on 17th September 2001. She is an internationally acclaimed lawyer with an established career spanning over 23 years of in-depth...
Syd Brown
Belfast BT1 3GN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Belfast
28 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Syd Brown is an experienced lawyer based in Belfast, renowned for his expertise in property law, wills, trusts, estate matters, and dispute resolution. With 28 years of legal practice, he has developed a solid reputation for delivering high-quality...
Merlin BATCHELOR
Norwich NR1 2NG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Norwich
12 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Merlin Batchelor is a highly experienced solicitor advocate, notary public, and managing director at Notary Near Me, based in Norwich. Specializing in conveyancing and probate, Merlin has a broad range of experience handling legal matters, from straightforward house...