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)
Karen Rieveley
London SW11 4HY
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
34 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Karen Rieveley is a highly experienced solicitor based in London, with over 33 years of expertise in conveyancing, wills, trusts, and estate matters. As a Director of Hodders Law Limited, she has played a pivotal role in the...
Sarah-Jane Riddell
East Sussex BN3 5AA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor East Sussex
33 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sarah-Jane collaborative family lawyer and accredited mediator specialising in family law since 1993 at a range of large regional and smaller local firms; offers mediation (including MIAMs) with regard to all issues relating to both children and finances;...
Hollingsworth Edwards Solicitors
Solicitor London W6
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
5 Solicitors
Does not accept legal aid
Hollingsworth Edwards is a highly reputable and successful law firm based in West London, representing clients across the UK and internationally. With expertise in a wide range of legal areas, including criminal law, fraud, employment, family law, divorce,...
Catherine Dumbleton-Moore
Kent TN12 0AP
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Kent
16 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Dumbleton-Moore is a highly experienced family law solicitor based in Kent, with 15 years of expertise in handling a wide range of family-related legal matters. She joined her firm in 2003 and began her legal studies with...
James Melvin
Guildford GU1 2AB
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Guildford
27 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
James Melvin, an independent lawyer in Guildford, specializes in criminal law, fraud, and motoring offenses. With over 26 years of experience, James Melvin offers comprehensive legal services in various areas, including: Criminal Defense: Representing clients facing criminal charges, ensuring...
