How do courts trace cryptocurrency in Illinois divorce?

Illinois courts treat cryptocurrency as marital property subject to equitable distribution. Tracing crypto requires blockchain forensics, exchange subpoenas, and wallet analysis. Jonathan D. Steele uses cybersecurity tools to identify hidden wallets, track transaction histories, and document asset movements that traditional attorneys miss.

Can my spouse legally monitor my phone during divorce?

No. Illinois wiretapping laws (720 ILCS 5/14) make unauthorized phone monitoring illegal, even between spouses. Evidence obtained through spyware or illegal tracking is inadmissible and can result in criminal charges. If you suspect monitoring, document everything and consult an attorney immediately to protect your privacy and strengthen your case.

What is digital forensics in divorce cases?

Digital forensics recovers and analyzes electronic evidence—deleted texts, financial records, location data, cloud backups—to prove asset dissipation, infidelity, or parenting fitness. Jonathan D. Steele's cybersecurity credentials (CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CC, and the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate) enable sophisticated digital discovery that most family law attorneys cannot provide.

How do I protect my digital assets during divorce?

Immediately change passwords on financial accounts, enable two-factor authentication, revoke shared device access, and document all digital assets (crypto, NFTs, domain names, digital IP). Never delete evidence or hide assets—courts impose severe penalties for spoliation. Work with an attorney who understands both family law and cybersecurity to protect your interests legally.

Can AirTag tracking be used as evidence in Illinois custody cases?

Potentially, but Illinois courts scrutinize tracking evidence carefully. Unauthorized GPS tracking may violate privacy laws and result in evidence exclusion. Legitimate safety concerns about children may justify tracking, but proper documentation and legal consultation are essential. Courts evaluate whether tracking was reasonable under the circumstances and in the child's best interests.

What happens to cryptocurrency in Illinois divorce?

Cryptocurrency is treated as marital property and subject to equitable division. Courts value crypto at filing date market prices and order distribution via wallet transfers or cash buyouts. Hidden crypto can be discovered through blockchain analysis, exchange records, and tax return forensics. Failure to disclose crypto holdings constitutes fraud and results in severe penalties.

How do courts value NFTs and digital assets in divorce?

Illinois courts value NFTs using appraisal methods similar to art or collectibles—market comparables, recent sales, expert valuation. Digital assets like domain names, social media accounts, and online businesses require specialized valuation considering revenue streams, intellectual property, and market potential. Jonathan D. Steele's technology expertise ensures accurate digital asset valuation.

Can social media posts be used against me in divorce?

Absolutely. Social media posts are discoverable evidence in Illinois divorce and custody cases. Courts use posts to evaluate parenting fitness, verify income claims, prove asset dissipation, and assess credibility. Delete nothing—spoliation sanctions are severe. Instead, immediately cease posting, review privacy settings, and consult an attorney before any social media activity.

How do I detect if my spouse installed spyware on my devices?

Warning signs include rapid battery drain, unusual data usage, unfamiliar apps, device overheating, or your spouse knowing private information. Factory reset devices, change all passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and document suspicious activity. Illinois law prohibits unauthorized device monitoring—evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible and may result in criminal charges against your spouse.

What is a high net worth divorce in Illinois?

High net worth divorce involves estates exceeding ,000 and complex assets—businesses, real estate portfolios, retirement accounts, stock options, cryptocurrency, offshore holdings. These cases require sophisticated valuation, forensic accounting, tax planning, and strategic litigation. Jonathan D. Steele's cybersecurity credentials enable discovery of hidden digital assets traditional attorneys miss.

How long does divorce take in Cook County?

Uncontested divorces in Cook County take 3-6 months after mandatory 6-month waiting period. Contested cases with custody disputes or complex assets take 12-24+ months. Timeline depends on court backlog, discovery complexity, and settlement negotiations. Strategic case management and early preparation accelerate resolution while protecting your interests.

Can my spouse access my email during divorce?

Not legally. Illinois Electronic Communications Privacy Act prohibits unauthorized email access, even between spouses. Evidence obtained through illegal email access is inadmissible and may result in criminal charges. Immediately change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consult an attorney if you suspect unauthorized access to protect your privacy and strengthen your case.

How do offshore accounts get discovered in divorce?

Offshore accounts are discovered through tax return analysis, bank statement subpoenas, lifestyle-income discrepancies, international treaty requests, and forensic accounting. Illinois courts have broad discovery powers and impose severe sanctions for hidden assets. Jonathan D. Steele's investigative expertise and cybersecurity tools uncover concealed offshore holdings that traditional discovery methods miss.

What evidence do courts accept from smart home devices?

Illinois courts accept smart home evidence (Ring doorbell footage, Alexa recordings, smart thermostat data) when legally obtained and properly authenticated. Evidence must be relevant, reliable, and not violate wiretapping laws. Smart home data can prove domestic violence, parenting fitness, property access, or residency claims. Proper collection and presentation are critical for admissibility.

How do I protect my children's privacy during custody disputes?

Seal court records where possible, avoid posting children on social media, restrict information shared with school/activities, use privacy settings on all platforms, and request confidentiality orders. Illinois courts prioritize child welfare and may issue protective orders limiting information disclosure. Jonathan D. Steele implements strategic privacy protocols protecting children while effectively litigating custody issues.

Chicago High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

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How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Quick Answer: Illinois calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under 750 ILCS 5/505. Both parents' net incomes are combined, then a percentage based on number of children is applied using statutory guidelines tables. The non-custodial parent's share is proportional to their income percentage, with adjustments for shared parenting time exceeding 146 overnights.

— Jonathan D. Steele, Esq., Partner at Beermann LLP

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.

What Makes Modern Divorce Different?

In high-stakes divorce, your digital footprint is evidence. Here's what you're up against.

Digital Evidence is Everywhere

Cloud backups, GPS data, financial apps, Ring doorbells, Alexa recordings—all discoverable. Your digital life is an open book to opposing counsel.

Hidden Assets Go High-Tech

Cryptocurrency wallets, offshore accounts, shell LLCs, stock options—traditional attorneys miss what they don't know to look for.

Your Privacy is Your Protection

Opposing counsel will use your digital footprint—social media posts, location data, private messages—against you in court. Here's how we protect you.

See How We Counter Each Threat

The Fortress Track Record

Results That Speak

$4.2M+

Hidden assets uncovered through digital forensics^*

87%

Contested custody cases resolved favorably^*

Client data breaches in 12+ years

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique. *$4.2M+ reflects cumulative hidden assets identified through digital forensics across multiple cases. 87% based on favorable parenting time or decision-making outcomes in contested custody matters (2019-2024, n=47).

Jonathan D. Steele - Chicago High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

"Privacy is the new luxury in modern divorce."

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Highlights

◆Partner at Beermann LLP; high-asset divorce and contested custody.
◆Cybersecurity and digital forensics focus—evidence, hidden assets, reputation safety.
◆Direct-access consults with privacy-first communication protocols.

The Attorney

Jonathan D. Steele

Partner at Beermann LLP • Cybersecurity Specialist • High-Stakes Litigator

"I pursued cybersecurity credentials after watching my divorce clients struggle with monitoring, hacking, and digital evidence issues their attorneys couldn't handle."

Bio & Background

Family Law Expertise with a Digital Edge

With over a decade of experience, I’m a family law attorney dedicated to resolving complex and high-stakes cases across Illinois and beyond. I have successfully litigated matters involving intricate estates, high-conflict custody, and challenging valuation disputes. My experience includes representing clients in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the Illinois Supreme Court, as well as handling cases pro hac vice in neighboring states. I have tried numerous cases on critical issues such as stalking no contact orders, dissipation claims, and maintenance modifications. Throughout my practice, I bring a profound commitment to securing both the financial and emotional well-being of my clients and their families.

In cases where sensitive information and assets—financial, business, digital—and, most importantly, children’s well-being are at risk, I don’t just safeguard legal rights; I protect what matters most. My career in family law began in 2001 at Nadler, Pritikin & Mirabelli, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in high school and college. This foundation led to my role as a partner at Beermann, where I leverage both tactical and technical expertise to advance client interests in every case.

Legal Command with a Technical Prowess

My combination of family law and cybersecurity expertise offers clients an uncommon advantage in high-stakes cases. With certifications like Google Cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+, and Cisco Ethical Hacker, I’m equipped to address complex privacy issues, secure data against digital threats, and uncover hidden assets or evidence of adultery and fraud—key factors in sensitive divorce proceedings.

Beyond technical expertise, I bring deep experience in Illinois family law, reinforced by proficiency with the rules of evidence and the Code of Civil Procedure. Having conducted over 100 depositions, including those of expert witnesses, I approach each case with a strategic advantage that few attorneys can offer. This unique blend of legal and technical skill gives my clients comprehensive security in and out of the courtroom, especially when financial or personal misconduct is at play.

Community and Professional Involvement

I'm committed to giving back, serving as a volunteer with Family Rescue and Sarah's Inn—organizations that provide critical support, advocacy, and resources to survivors of domestic violence and lead prevention efforts within our communities.

I also contribute to legal education as a presenter for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) and work with JUF Community Legal Services. Additionally, I volunteer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) Cooperating Attorneys Program, providing pro bono legal assistance on privacy issues to individuals with limited financial means.

Degrees

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Juris Doctor (J.D.), The John Marshall Law SchoolWith a focus on family law and litigation, providing a strong foundation in legal principles and advocacy.
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Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Indiana UniversityWith a concentration in Political Science, equipping me with analytical skills essential to my legal and cybersecurity practice.

Awards

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Rising Star, Illinois Super LawyersAn elite distinction awarded to less than 2.5% of attorneys under 40 in Illinois, recognizing my commitment to excellence and peer recognition in the legal community.
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Emerging Lawyer, Leading LawyersAwarded to fewer than 2% of Illinois attorneys, this honor reflects my dedication and skill as recognized by my peers and legal leaders.
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Top 10 Lawyers Under 40, American Institute of Family Law AttorneysA prestigious ranking that highlights my proficiency and dedication to advancing family law with exceptional advocacy and insight.
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Top 10 Family Law Attorneys Under 40, National Academy of Family Law AttorneysThis honor recognizes my commitment to high standards in family law and my dedication to providing exceptional support for clients in sensitive legal matters.

Certifications

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Certified Financial Litigator- Recognized by the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators, this designation underscores my expertise in handling complex financial issues in family law, including asset valuation, income assessment, and financial investigations.
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CompTIA Security+- A globally recognized certification that validates foundational skills in cybersecurity, including network security, compliance, operational security, threats, vulnerabilities, and identity management.
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ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)- A globally recognized entry-level certification validating foundational cybersecurity knowledge, including threat mitigation, network defense, and incident response principles.
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Google Cybersecurity Certificate- A comprehensive program covering essential cybersecurity practices, including threat detection, network protection, and digital risk management, to enhance security measures in family law and privacy practices.
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Cisco Ethical Hacker- An advanced certification emphasizing offensive security and penetration testing skills, equipping me with the expertise to identify and mitigate potential threats effectively.
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EC-Council Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals- A comprehensive certification focusing on foundational ethical hacking concepts, including network vulnerabilities, penetration testing techniques, and digital forensics.
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University of Pennsylvania Privacy Law and Data Protection- This comprehensive certification covers both general privacy law principles and HIPAA-specific regulations, demonstrating expertise in data protection, privacy compliance, and healthcare information privacy laws.

Convinced? Here's what happens next.

Schedule Your Case Review

The Steele Fortress Protocol

A strategic, three-phase approach designed to minimize exposure and maximize results.

Secure & Stabilize

Immediate assessment of digital vulnerabilities. We secure your accounts, lock down financial access, and establish a safe channel for privileged communication.

What You Get:

→ Encrypted client portal setup
→ Device security audit
→ Emergency injunctions if needed
→ Financial account preservation

Strategic Discovery

Aggressive forensic analysis to uncover hidden assets and leverage. We build a compelling narrative backed by irrefutable digital and financial evidence.

What You Get:

→ Forensic accounting on assets
→ Digital evidence preservation
→ Social media & e-discovery
→ Expert witness coordination

III

Resolution & Recovery

Negotiating from a position of strength to secure a favorable settlement or court judgment, ensuring your long-term financial and reputational security.

What You Get: