Areas of Expertise
Bec practices exclusively in Family Law and has a keen interest in promoting access to justice for the LGBTIQA+ community and specialises in providing legal guidance for rainbow families on various legal matters including donor agreements, parentage, assisted reproduction, IVF and relationship separation.
She also has extensive experience in marital and de facto property disputes, and preparing Binding Financial Agreements both during relationships, and post separation as well as assisting clients involved in Intervention Order proceedings in the Magistrates Court.
Bec is a trained Collaborative Practitioner and relishes the opportunity to assist clients in this non-litigious form of dispute resolution.
In addition, Bec provides advice to clients and representation in relation to all other legal issues arising from family law and relationship breakdown including:
- Divorce
- Same sex relationships
- Children and parenting matters
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
Bec also has experience in the Children’s Court jurisdiction both in Victoria and South Australia and is able to provide advice and support to clients involved in these systems.
As a product of her passion for access to justice within the LGBTIQA+ community, Bec is heavily celebrated in the advocacy space. Bec is a regular presenter on JOY 94.9, Australia’s LGBTIQA+ community media organisation. As a testament to her contributions to the LGBTIQA+ advocacy space, Bec is the recipient of numerous nominations at the GLOBE Community Awards. Bec has also spoken at national conferences on legal issues impacting the LGBTIQA+ community.
Bec is also a member of the Leadership Team of the Victorian Chapter of Pride in Law.
Professional Experience
Rebecca joined Nicholes Family Lawyers in 2012, having practiced exclusively in Family Law since 2005 in both South Australia and Victoria, in a range of both small and large firms.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws & Legal Practice – Flinders University (South Australia)
- Collaborative Practitioner
Memberships
- Law Institute of Victoria
- LIV Family Law Section Children and Youth Issues Committee
- LIV Family Law Section Courts Practice Committee
- Collaborative Professionals (Vic)
In the Media
Pride in Law: Modern Families Forum
Nicholes Family Lawyers was excited to sponsor Pride in Law’s Modern Families Forum which offered practical legal insights.
Bec Dahl moderated the wonderful panel, which consisted of Kylie Evans KC, Hannah Bambra and Dr Dave Capstick. Together the panellists made for rich and insightful discussions on surrogacy law in Australia, what the journey looks like for LGBTIQA+ families, donor arrangements, multi-parent structures, gender-affirming care and access to healthcare.
Victorian Law Week 2026: Changes to family violence & the impact on those most vulnerable
As part of Victorian Law Week 2026, Partner Bec Dahl moderated a panel exploring the 2025 changes to family violence laws and their impact on the most vulnerable members of our community. Bec was joined by Commissioner Joe Ball (Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities), Jade Blakkarly (CEO of WIRE), Luke Wright (Senior Manager at State Trustees), and Jenna Tuke (CEO of Switchboard) — bringing together a diverse group of experts whose shared insights made for a rich and wide-ranging conversation.
The panel explored how these reforms are impacting victim survivors, older people, LGBTIQA+ communities, and those experiencing financial stress or isolation, and outlines practical first steps if you are worried about yourself or someone you know.
To catch up on the discussion click here to watch the recording of the panel.
Interview with WIRE on amendments to the Family Law Act (1975) and its impact
Bec Dahl and Sally Nicholes were interviewed by Kareena from WIRE to talk about the important amendments made to the Family Law Act (1975) in June 2025.
These reforms aim to make property division and other family law outcomes more transparent, safer, and better suited to the real-life needs of separating families. For anyone going through a separation or divorce, it’s worth being aware of these changes and how they may impact your situation.
To watch this interview, click here.
To read more about the recent changes click here.
May 2026
In this month’s JOY Drive “Your Law Talk” segment, Bec Dahl joined Presenter Warren Andrew to discuss how to navigate the law for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bec shared her insights as a family lawyer into unique legal issues LGBTQIA+ people face, from starting a family, to protecting a relationship, dealing with separation, and understanding their rights. Click here to listen to the episode.
April 2026
Bec Dahl joins host Warren Andrew on JOY 94.9’s ‘Your Law Talk’ segment to discuss the challenges that can arise within separated families as they navigate traditions, holidays, and time with children and how to ensure your child’s best interest is maintained. Click here to listen to the episode.
March 2026
Partner Bec Dahl joins JOY 94.9 host Warren Andrew and special guest Lucy Street, from Sexual Health, Intimacy and Psychological Services (SHIPS) to discuss Marriage trends and red flags to look out for in relationships. Listen to the episode here.
February 2026
Partner Bec Dahl speaks on JOY Drive 94.9 with Host Warren Andrew to discuss separated parents and navigating the return to school. Listen to the episode here.
December 2025
Partner Bec Dahl speaks on JOY Drive 94.9 with Host Warren Andrew and special guest Immigration Lawyer Lily Ong to chat about things to consider when travelling at Christmas. Listen to the episode here
October 2025
Partner Bec Dahl and JOY Daytimes Presenter Rachel Morrison unpack on JOY Drive 94.9 how surrogacy works in Australia, from donor and legal agreements to navigating relationships and protecting everyone involved. Listen to the episode here
September 2025
Partner Bec Dahl and Founder of the Fitzroy Market and Host of JOY’s Chicks Talking Footy Fiona Newton unpack the legal and emotional steps to protect children and families on JOY Drive 94.9. Listen to the episode here
February 2025
Partner Bec Dahl speaks on JOY Drive 94.9 to discuss what happens when school holidays come around and there are decisions to be made as to who the children spend the holidays with. Listen to the episode here
October 2024
Partner Bec Dahl explains everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about separating from your partner. Listen to the episode here
July 2024
How the AFLW and AFL help promote diversity
Listen to Partner Bec Dahl speak on JOY Drive to discuss the AFL and AFLW and what they are doing to help promote diversity and inclusivity. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Music and Spotify.
March 2024
Effective strategies for schools and teachers in supporting separated families
In this episode of “Viewpoints with Henry Grossek,” Nicholes Family Lawyers Partner Bec Dahl discusses crucial strategies for schools and teachers to support separated families. In the podcast, Bec covers topics like legal distinctions between orders, ensuring child safety, handling confidential information, and navigating legal obligations. Bec provides practical guidance for educators. Tune in to the podcast here.
October 2023
Supporting Separated Families in School
Bec Dahl was delighted to contribute an article to ‘Wine with Teacher’.
In her article titled “Supporting Separated Families in School”, Bec delves into the impact that separation and parenting orders can have on educator care responsibilities. The article provides useful information and tips for educators to protect themselves and their students, and to support families with a smoother separation process.
The full article can be read here.
October 2023
Proposed Changes to the Family Law Act
Bec joined JOY 94.9 Radio’s ‘Your Law Talk’ segment to discuss proposed changes to the Family Law Act. Listen to the segment here.
September 2023
Rebecca and Malcolm Campbell from Nicholas O’Donohue & Co Lawyers joined JOY 94.9 Radio’s ‘Your Law Talk’ segment to discuss Wills and Estates. Listen to the segment here.
Chicks Talking Footy on @joy949
Bec is thrilled to announce her return to the “Chicks Talking Footy” team on @joy949 radio.
Starting Wednesday 2 August, Bec will be joining a team of other footy-obsessed women – Fiona, Motty, Bree, and Sasha to cover game analysis, topical issues in AFL and AFLW, and all the highlights of the game.
To listen to Chicks Talking Footy, click here.
July 2023
Rebecca joined JOY 94.9 Radio’s ‘Your Law Talk’ segment to discuss what it takes to become a Foster Carer. Listen to the segment here.
June 2023
Rebecca and Dr Sarah Nowoweiski from Newlife IVF joined JOY 94.9 Radio’s ‘Your Law Talk’ segment to discuss assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy and IVF. Listen to the segment here.
March 2023
Rebecca and colleague Nicholes Family Lawyers Partner Nadine Udorovic, working with Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators Director Cathy Gale, have co-authored “Reshaped, Reframed and Innovated” which looks at new and highly innovative ways couples are being empowered to approach resolving relationship breakdown, with a particular focus on the Our Family in Two Homes (OFTH) approach. Nicholes Family Lawyers and Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators were the first family law firms in Victoria to use OFTH as part of their alternative dispute resolution approaches. To read “Reshaped, Reframed and Innovated”, click here.
December 2022
The joys and stresses of the festive season
Rebecca spoke with ABC Radio Melbourne’s David Astle in December 2022 about the joys of the festive season/Christmas – and the pressures it can bring, including for separated families with children. Rebecca and David also discussed the important role that family law plays at this time of year.
July 2022
Rebecca was interviewed on Hack on Triple J about the end of Neighbours (whilst on the back of a camel) with fellow partner, Catherine Giles. Rebecca was able to talk about some of the great representation on Neighbours of rainbow families and the LGBTIQA+ community. Rebecca’s interview can be found at the 24:07 mark.
June 2022
Rebecca spoke with ABC Radio Melbourne’s David Astle about all things surrogacy on “Evenings with David Astle” in June 2022.
