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)
Stephen Oldham
Uttoxeter ST14 5AL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Uttoxeter
24 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Stephen Oldham is a specialist lawyer based in Uttoxeter, with over 24 years of experience in motoring offences, including drink driving, speeding, and other driving-related charges. Areas of Expertise Motoring Law Driving and Motoring Offence Speeding Drink Driving...
Maria Guida
Guildford GU3 1YL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Guildford
32 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Maria Guida is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate team, based in Guildford, with 32 years of experience in commercial property and licensing law. She specialises in landlord and tenant matters, real estate litigation, commercial conveyancing, and...
Lauren MCINTOSH
Hampshire PO16 7BL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Hampshire
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Lauren MCINTOSH, a lawyer based in Hampshire, specializes in wills, trusts, and estate law, bringing over 13 years of experience to the field. Lauren is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in various areas, including: Will Writing: Drafting wills...
Emeka Ezekwe
Ilford IG1 2SD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Ilford
25 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Emeka Ezekwe is a highly experienced solicitor based in Ilford, with 25 years of expertise in family law, divorce, litigation, and wills, trusts, and estate matters. Since qualifying in 2000, he has built a strong reputation for providing...
Sarah Clowes
Stoke-on-Trent ST2 7HA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Stoke-on-Trent
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sarah Clowes is a highly experienced solicitor based in Stoke-on-Trent, with 20 years of expertise in wills, trusts, and estate matters. As a partner at Clowes & Co. Solicitors, she provides specialist legal advice in areas such as...