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...
Helen Bowns
Warwickshire CV37 6YX
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Warwickshire
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Helen Bowns is a solicitor based in Warwickshire with 29 years of experience in family law. She specializes in divorce, child custody, adoption, child support, domestic violence and abuse, property division, and children law, including civil partnerships. With...
Ruth TAYLOR
Northampton NN2 6EZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Northampton
28 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Ruth Taylor is a highly experienced family law solicitor with 28 years of expertise in the field. She began her career in family law in 1985 as a secretary to a family law solicitor before qualifying as a...
Jamie-Lee Hampson
Liverpool L13 5SG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Liverpool
8 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Jamie-Lee Hampson is a dedicated solicitor based in Liverpool with over 8 years of experience in the legal field. Specializing in personal injury, wills, trusts, and estates, Jamie-Lee is known for her commitment to providing expert legal assistance...
Laura THORPE
Sheffield S9 1TP
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Sheffield
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, Laura Thorpe is a dedicated lawyer based in Sheffield, specializing in Employment Law and Civil Litigation. She has a strong focus on providing effective legal solutions for clients dealing with...
