Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Cwmbran
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of Newbold Solicitors, where she specializes in family law,...
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 Conveyancing (Area of expertise might be Social welfare and housing)
Brenda Alleyne
London EC4V 5EF
Social welfare and housing Solicitors London
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Brenda is a dynamic member of our property department and prides herself in making your property transaction run as smoothly and as stress-free as possible. She has established a highly–respected reputation for her speed and efficiency and for...
Amy Sutton
Manchester M3 2WJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Manchester
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Amy Sutton is a dedicated residential conveyancer based in Manchester, with 9 years of experience in property law. Known for her award-winning service, Amy provides expert guidance in all aspects of residential conveyancing, ensuring smooth and efficient property...
Sidra SIDDIQUI
Guildford GU1 4AW
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Guildford
9 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sidra Siddiqui is a dedicated solicitor based in Guildford, specializing in Conveyancing and property law. With 9 years of experience, Sidra represents a wide range of clients, including private individuals, companies, lenders, and developers, in both residential and...
Karen Rieveley
London SW11 4HY
Social welfare and housing Solicitors London
33 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...
Shah Ali
London E1 2LX
Social welfare and housing Solicitors London
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shah Ali is a highly accomplished solicitor based in London, with 13 years of experience in family law, immigration, intellectual property, bankruptcy, conveyancing, and wills, trusts, and estates. As the founding Senior Partner of Waterstone Solicitors, he has...