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)
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...
Anne Shears
Plymouth PL4 9BD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Plymouth
18 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Anne Shears is a solicitor based in Plymouth with 18 years of experience specializing in family law and divorce. She provides expert legal services tailored to resolving financial matters and family disputes. In Family Law and Divorce, Anne...
Chris BARBER
Cardiff CF10 3RS
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cardiff
14 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Chris Barber is an experienced solicitor based in Cardiff with 14 years of legal practice, specializing in family law, civil litigation, and employment law. He has extensive experience handling family matters such as cohabitation, divorce, and child disputes....
Roy MAGARA
Bicester OX27 8BL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bicester
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shortlisted for the Modern Law Awards 2025 'Rising Star of the Year', and with over a decade of experience, Roy is dedicated to understanding what results you need; providing you with an informed basis upon which to make...
Lucy Flynn
Sheffield S1 2DD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Sheffield
16 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Lucy Flynn is a highly skilled solicitor and partner at Graysons in Sheffield, specializing in personal injury law. With 16 years of experience, Lucy has established herself as an expert in handling a wide range of personal injury...
