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)
Joe Phelan
London W10 5AD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 13 years of experience, Joe Phelan is a specialist in commercial property law, advising clients on the legal aspects of buying, selling, leasing, and re-financing commercial properties. Having worked with some of the largest law firms in...
Heather Meakin
Liverpool L3 1HU
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Liverpool
7 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Heather Meakin is a solicitor based in Liverpool with seven years of experience in Family Law, Divorce, Wills, Trusts, and Estate matters. She provides expert legal guidance tailored to the needs of individuals and families, ensuring clarity, efficiency,...
Ian Hay
London SW18 1GN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
40 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Ian Hay is a highly experienced solicitor based in London, with over 40 years in the legal profession, specializing in property law. As a founding partner of Murray Hay, Ian has dedicated more than three decades to managing...
David Smith
Birmingham B14 7DY
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
11 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
I joined Glover Priest in May 2019 having previously spent several years working as a family solicitor for Legal 500-ranked regional firms. I have a wealth of experience as a solicitor and deal with the full range of...
Marc White
Bristol BS7 8BH
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Bristol
27 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 27 years of experience, Marc White is a highly regarded solicitor specializing in Litigation, Wills, Trusts, and Estate matters. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Marc offers a unique ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a...
