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)
James Chaplin
London W6 7PJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
Does not accept legal aid
James qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and specialises in civil litigation, employment, crime and extradition. James has higher rights of audience in criminal courts which allows him to represent clients in the Crown Court and all Criminal...
Paschal Ihebuzor
Birmingham B18 7AF
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Birmingham
18 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Paschal Ihebuzor is a highly experienced solicitor based in Birmingham, with 18 years of legal practice. Specialising in employment law, family law, immigration, litigation, and judicial review, Paschal provides expert legal services with a deep commitment to achieving...
Bestin Joseph
London E18 1JL
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Bestin Joseph is a highly skilled and experienced lawyer based in London, specializing in Immigration, Conveyancing, and Business and Human Rights. With over 20 years of practice, Bestin is dedicated to providing efficient, stress-free solutions for his clients,...
Richard Boateng
Middlesex HA1 3RA
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Middlesex
24 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Richard Boateng is a solicitor based in Middlesex with 24 years of experience across multiple legal disciplines, including criminal law, employment law, family law, immigration, bankruptcy, and consumer rights. His extensive expertise and dynamic approach enable him to...
Ian Aris
Coalville LE67 8LZ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Coalville
14 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Ian Aris is a dedicated solicitor with 14 years of experience, specializing in litigation, wills, trusts, and estate matters. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2011, he has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, personalized legal services,...