Klaus Gottlieb, Estate Planning Attorney
California | (805) 703-2282 | WealthCareLawyer.com
Offices in San Luis Obispo and Cayucos
Legal Accomplishments:
Klaus Gottlieb's legal journey is marked by noteworthy achievements. After nurturing a long-held dream of studying law, he turned it into reality by graduating from Northwestern California University School of Law in Sacramento in April 2021. His dedication and aptitude were evident when he passed the July 2021 California Bar Exam on his first attempt, a feat in a state with a 53% pass rate. His legal expertise is in Trust and Estates, where he uniquely combines deep legal knowledge, counseling skills honed as a physician, financial acumen as an MBA, and a knack for creative problem-solving. He teaches Wills and Trusts at Monterey College of Law, sharing his expertise and practical experience in estate planning with aspiring JD candidates. He is a member of the California Bar, the California Lawyers Association, and the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.
Prior Career Highlights:
Before law, Dr. Gottlieb had a multifaceted career. As a physician, he practiced in both private and academic settings, reaching the rank of Full Professor at George Washington University. His medical expertise led him to testify frequently as a medical expert witness. In the pharmaceutical industry, he held executive positions, reflecting his leadership and analytical skills. He served 16 years in the United States Naval Reserve, including deployment in the Global War on Terrorism, achieving the rank of Commander, Medical Corps.
Educational Background:
Dr. Gottlieb's educational journey spans continents and disciplines. After medical school at the University of Bonn, Germany, he pursued an MBA at Indiana University, graduating with highest honors (Beta Gamma Sigma). He also passed the level I Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam and completed a Master of Science in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins.
- Various Articles in the National Law Review
- National Law Review
- Rising Star - Southern California 2024 and 2025
- Super Lawyers
- A Super Lawyer is an exceptional achievement and title given to lawyers across the country who have achieved high standards within their respective fields.
- State Bar of California # 339060
- Member
- Current
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- San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
- Current
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- California Lawyers Association
- Section of Trusts & Estates
- Current
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- California
- State Bar of California
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Free Consultation
Free 30-minute initial consultation. Flat fee for complete estate plans. - Credit Cards Accepted
- Estate Planning
- Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- English: Spoken, Written
- German: Spoken, Written
- Q. What are my rights in probate process and obtaining my mother's will in California?
- A: In California, as your mother’s only child and a named beneficiary in her will, you have specific rights under the probate process:
Under California Probate Code § 8200, the custodian of a will must lodge it with the Superior Court in the county where the decedent resided within 30 days of learning of the death. Once lodged, the will becomes part of the public record, and you can request a copy from the probate clerk’s office.
As a named beneficiary, you are entitled to receive notice of probate proceedings and have the right to participate, including contesting the will if necessary. You can also request information about your mother’s separate property, including bank accounts ... Read More
- Q. Beneficiary of amended revocable trust, unsure of rights and next steps.
- A: If you are a beneficiary of a trust that has become irrevocable—such as after the settlor’s death—you are entitled to receive a copy of the entire trust instrument, including any amendments. Under California Probate Code § 16061.7, the trustee has a legal duty to provide this documentation within 60 days of the settlor’s death.
Only the trustee has the authority and obligation to give you this information. Neither the notary public who witnessed the amendment nor the county recorder’s office (which typically handles deeds, not trusts) can provide or validate the contents of the trust.
To move forward, you should contact the trustee directly and request a complete copy of the ... Read More
- Q. Is a TOD deed enough for my home, or do I need a will?
- A: While a TOD deed and life insurance beneficiary designation can avoid probate for those specific assets, they don’t cover everything. Any other property you own—like bank accounts without a payable-on-death designation, personal items, refunds, or anything acquired later—would fall under California’s intestate succession laws if you don’t have a will. That means the court, not you, decides who inherits.
If you have more than one child, and only one is named on the TOD deed and life insurance, the others could still inherit a share of any remaining property. And debts secured by your home (like your second mortgage or HELOC) will still need to be settled; the TOD deed transfers title ... Read More