Donald G. Olsen, Principal Attorney
Attorney Donald G. Olsen is the owner and founder of Waypoint Estate and Business Planning and the Law Offices of Donald G. Olsen P.C. Since 1989, Don has helped a wide range of clients confidently navigate complex estate and business planning issues. Don closely collaborates with other attorneys, financial planners, accountants, and insurance professionals in order to achieve the specialized planning goals of each and every client, one client at a time.
Don has extensive experience in all phases of estate planning, probate and trust administration, and estate and gift tax issues. A particular focus of Don’s practice is devoted to helping families which have children or other family members with disabilities and special needs.
As a member of the American Academy of Special Needs Planners and other national organizations, Don is keenly aware of the legal issues which every special needs family must address in order to provide a secure future for their loved ones. Working as a team with social workers, benefit consultants, care managers and other advocates, Don can give the special needs family the peace of mind of knowing that they have put in place the legal foundation and support network needed to ensure that their vulnerable loved ones can lead a happy and productive life.
Don knows first-hand the challenges facing the special needs family. He and wife Maura are the proud parents of two sons, Cody and his younger brother Nicholas, who was diagnosed with autism in 1996 at the age of three. Nicholas has been in special education programs since preschool and is currently transitioning after completing high school. With the support of his family and many dedicated physicians, therapists, teachers, and other professionals, Nicholas does very well in his classes and is a happy teenager with many interests, with computer games and drawing being at the top of his list. Nicholas loves to laugh and has been voted as ‘funniest student’ by his classmates several times.
Don received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois in 1985, and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington in 1988. Don is licensed to practice in the state of Washington (1989) and the state of Illinois (1991), and before the U.S. Tax Court (1993).
Linda A. Bryceland, Of Counsel
Linda A. Bryceland serves of counsel to Waypoint Estate and Business Planning and the Law Offices of Donald G. Olsen, P.C. Linda has been in private practice since 1986, advising individuals and their families on special needs and life planning, disability and elder law and mental health matters. She has handled contested probate and guardianship matters, guardianship and decedent estate and trust administration, and represents individual and corporate trustees, agents under powers of attorney, guardians and trust beneficiaries. Linda has served as Guardian ad Litem for disabled minors and adults in state and federal court. She also has extensive experience handling all types of civil appeals in both the state appellate and supreme courts.
Linda grew up with a cousin with cerebral palsy at a time when there were few programs and services to meet his needs. She became an attorney to advocate for children and adults with special needs. Linda recognizes that such advocacy requires more than excellent legal skills as she works with children, parents, caretakers, case managers, neuropsychologists, physicians and teachers to obtain services needed by children and adults, meet client needs and assist parents and caretakers in obtaining the peace of mind that their loved ones will be cared for now and in the future.
Linda has authored articles on elder law issues and organized and presented seminars before the McHenry County Bar Association, the Elder Law Section of the Chicago Bar Association and the Bench and Bar Section of the Illinois Bar Association on topics regarding special needs planning, gifting, elder law and Guardian ad Litem training. She also presents informational lectures to community and senior groups on special needs planning, life care and financial planning for the elderly, and elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Linda would be happy to speak to your group on any of these issues. She may be reached at 847-276-2640.
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