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)
Chris Proctor
Sheffield S9 1TP
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Sheffield
7 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
With 7 years of experience, Chris Proctor is a skilled solicitor specializing in residential conveyancing. He qualified in 2018 and joined PM Property Lawyers the same year, where he focuses on freehold and leasehold residential property sales and...
Kajal Patel
Harrow HA1 1BQ
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Harrow
14 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Kajal Patel is a highly skilled solicitor with 14 years of experience, specializing in commercial property, corporate, and business transactions. She began her career at a City firm and continued working in the City after qualification. For the...
Joe Phelan
London W10 5AD
Social welfare and housing Solicitors 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...
Mike WRAGG
Buckinghamshire
Social welfare and housing Solicitors Buckinghamshire
17 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Mike Wragg is the Head of Residential Property at Lennons Solicitors, a well-established law firm in Buckinghamshire with offices in Chesham, Amersham, and Beaconsfield. With 17 years of experience, Mike specialises in all aspects of residential property law,...
Sophie DONOVAN
Social welfare and housing Solicitors
12 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Sophie Donovan is an experienced solicitor based in the West Midlands, specializing in a wide range of legal areas, including family law, Wills and probate, debt recovery, and residential conveyancing. With 12 years of experience in the legal...