Protecting Your Digital Privacy
During High-Stakes Divorce
In modern divorce, your digital footprint is the new battleground. Cloud backups, GPS data, cryptocurrency wallets, Ring doorbells and social media may create relevant records. I bring professional cybersecurity training to privacy, preservation, and digital-evidence strategy.
The Digital Evidence Problem in Chicago Divorce Cases
Your Digital Life Can Become Evidence
Divorce disputes can involve a wide range of electronically stored information. Relevant electronic communications, location data, and digital-asset records may be available through lawful discovery.
Records a party may seek through appropriate discovery include:
- iCloud/Google backup contents
- Location history from phone and car
- Ring/Nest doorbell footage
- Amazon Alexa voice recordings
- Financial app transaction history
- Social media posts (even deleted ones)
Illinois BIPA Warning
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (740 ILCS 14/15) provides some of the strongest privacy protections in the nation. Unauthorized access to biometric data can create exclusion and potential liability issues; the result depends on the facts and governing law.
Types of Digital Evidence Used Against You
Device Forensics
Deleted texts, photos, and app data may remain in device storage or backups, depending on the system and whether data was overwritten. A qualified forensic examiner can assess whether lawful preservation or recovery is feasible.
Cryptocurrency & Hidden Assets
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi wallets are increasingly used to hide marital assets. Qualified blockchain analysis can help investigate transfers and wallet activity alongside conventional financial discovery.
Social Media Intelligence
Posts, check-ins, photos, and account connections may corroborate or challenge custody and income claims. Relevant private-account records may be sought through proper legal channels.
Location & GPS Data
Google Timeline, Apple Significant Locations, car GPS, and fitness trackers may contain location history that can corroborate or challenge claims about whereabouts during key events.
Smart Home Devices
Ring doorbells, Nest cameras, smart locks, and voice assistants may create logs or recordings. Relevant smart-home records may be requested through lawful discovery when preservation, privacy, and authentication requirements are addressed.
Email & Cloud Storage
Gmail, Outlook, Dropbox, and iCloud contain years of communications and documents. Shared family accounts often give one spouse access to the other's data.
Real-World Digital Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Hidden Crypto Wallet
"My husband says he lost all his crypto in the crash, but his lifestyle hasn't changed."
The Discovery Plan: Unexplained bank transfers can justify targeted exchange discovery or qualified blockchain analysis. Public-ledger information may help an examiner evaluate whether transaction activity corresponds to disclosed wallets or exchange accounts.
Scenario 2: The Spyware Spouse
"He always knows where I am, even when I turn off my phone's location."
The Response: If stalkerware or tracking is suspected, preserve the circumstances and avoid altering a potentially relevant device before getting advice. We can coordinate a qualified forensic examination where appropriate and develop a lawful plan for documenting findings for the case.
The Steele Digital Defense Strategy
What I Do Differently
I'm not just a family law attorney who "knows about technology." I hold professional cybersecurity certifications including CompTIA Security+, ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), and the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.
This means I understand:
- How forensic imaging works—and why authorization, scope, and chain of custody matter
- Cryptocurrency discovery—financial records and qualified blockchain analysis used to investigate wallet and transaction activity
- Device security audits—checking for spyware, compromised accounts, and data leaks
- Evidence preservation—procedures designed to support later authentication and admissibility arguments
Credentials
Common Questions
Can my spouse read my deleted text messages?
Sometimes. Recovery depends on the device, backups, retention periods, access rights, and whether the data has been overwritten. A qualified examiner can assess the device, while provider records may be pursued through lawful discovery when available.
Is it illegal for my spouse to install a GPS tracker?
Generally, yes. Under Illinois law, placing a tracking device on a vehicle you do not own or exclusively drive without consent can be a criminal offense (720 ILCS 5/21-2.5). However, exceptions exist for joint owners in some contexts, making this a complex legal area.
How do I secure my devices before filing for divorce?
Start by changing all passwords (not just social media—think bank, email, and iCloud/AppleID). Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) using an app like Google Authenticator, not SMS texts (which can be intercepted on a family plan).
Protect Your Digital Privacy Today
15-minute call to identify exposure points in your case. No retainer required for initial assessment.