Focus

Support

Peace of mind.

I am a dedicated and conscientious lawyer with over 20 years of experience practicing in the areas of family law, conveyancing and wills and estates in Bentleigh East. 
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Welcome, I'm Anuja Baker

I specialise in a wide range of areas including divorce, property and financial settlements, asset protection and parenting matters. 

I was born in Fiji and came to Australia as an international student in 1992 on a scholarship.  I completed my Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University of Technology in 1996 and my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Australian National University in 1997.  I practiced in various legal roles in government, private-practice and in-house before starting my own practice as a sole practitioner in January 2009.


I started my own practice specifically to give clients a different experience of receiving quality and professional legal services. An environment where they felt comfortable and safe about providing instructions relating to children, property and family law matters and matters relating to their estate.


I am a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Law Council of Australia’s Family Law Section.


Anuja was fantastic in helping us with estate planning. This was especially tricky due to covid restrictions in Melbourne but she was great over the phone and by email. I would highly recommend Anuja Baker for estate planning needs.


Jack R


Dedicated to helping my clients

I love the practice of law as it allows me to help my clients reach a stage where their affairs are in order, where they know their matter is in good hands and where they have the comfort in knowing they can get back on their feet and take control of their lives.


Strategic Solutions

I always strive to provide strategic solutions for my clients which are best for them and their family. I will work with you to resolve disputes so parties can move on with their lives sooner rather than later.

Experience matters

With over 20 years experience as a specialist family lawyer, I will provide you with the knowledge and security that all your legal interests will be protected.

Client focused approach

I know some of my clients have never had to deal with a lawyer before. I have a personable manner which allows me to connect with my clients, to listen to them, to guide them and to hold their hand throughout the process.

Affordable rates

Lawyers are seen to be costly. Unlike the bigger firms, I operate a very cost-effective model so I can provide you with better value and service from initial consultation through to settlement.

Practice Areas

Family Law

 I will understand your pain and guide you

Family Law disputes can be an emotional drain and costly if not well managed.   I will guide you through this process and provide you with practical legal solutions whilst being clear in my communications with you about outcomes and cost. Rest assured, I will strive to always provide what is best for you and your family.


I can assist in: Parenting disputes, Property disputes, Family Violence Orders, Binding financial agreements, Divorce and Consent Applications


Wills and Estate

 I will give you peace of mind

In the event of your incapacity or death, you want to make sure you have a plan which allows someone to carry out your wishes.  I will advise you on the best way to protect your wealth and to provide for your loved ones, always taking the time to listen, understand and create an estate plan for your unique situation.



I can assist in:- Wills, Powers of Attorney, Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker, Probate, Letters of Administration, Managing a Deceased Estate, VCAT Guardianship or Administration Order, Contesting a will, Estate Litigation



Conveyancing

 I will keep you informed!

Conveyancing is the process of transferring the title of land from one person to another.  I know what to look out for in Contracts of Sale and what to bring to your attention in an off-the-plan Contract. I will answer your questions in relation to stamp duty and strive to provide a seamless process of buying and selling your home with simultaneous settlement dates, always keeping you informed and providing you with clear and practical advice from start to finish.


I can assist in: Contract of Sale, Negotiations, Property settlements for both vendors and purchasers, Mortgage documents, Subdivisions, Off-The-Plan sales, Transfer of Property, Leases.

Common Questions

See some common questions and answers below, or request a free consult for any questions you may have.

  • How much do I charge?

    I charge on an hourly rate for family law and wills and estate matters and have fixed fees for conveyancing transactions.


  • How long does the process of estate administration take?

    Each estate is different and much depends on your unique situation, however the law gives you 12 months from the date of death to administer an estate.


  • Should I wait for my divorce to come through before I update my Will?

    No. You should update your Will straightaway.

    In Victoria, if you have made a Will naming your partner as an Executor or have made a gift to your partner under your Will, getting divorced will act to revoke only those appointments or gifts made to your former partner. The rest of your Will remains intact.  Separation from your partner does not have the same effect as a divorce. If you were to pass away before your divorce has been finalised and you haven’t changed your Will, your partner will continue to receive any benefit under your Will, notwithstanding that you are separated.


  • Why do I need to formalise a property split arrangement?

    In Victoria, you can formalise property agreements through Consent Orders (which is filed and approved by the Family Law Courts) or enter into a Binding Financial Agreement pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975.


    It is advisable to formalise such agreements to ensure your partner “sticks to the deal” and does not attempt to “back out of it” and it also protects your future acquired assets from your ex-partner’s claim.


  • Are we joint proprietors or tenants in common?

    The difference is paramount when death occurs. If you are registered as a joint proprietor and you pass away, then your interest in the property automatically passes to your surviving partner. However, if you were each registered as tenants in common in equal shares, then on your death, your 50% share in the property will be given to whoever you give it to in your Will.


  • Why should I make a Will?

    To ensure that after your death, your property is distributed in the way you would have wished for it to be distributed.


    Some assets cannot be dealt with by your Will such as your superannuation, your life insurance policies and assets held in a trust or company. I will guide you through the estate planning process of the best way to protect you and your family in the event of death or incapacity.


  • Do all marriages/relationships end up in a 50-50 split?

    There is no rule or presumption that parties have to divide their assets evenly at separation. The percentage outcome depends on many different factors including the length of their  relationship, their financial and non-financial contributions and their current and future needs.


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