Klaus Gottlieb

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

2024

Rising Star - Southern California 2024 and 2025

Super Lawyers

2025

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

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association

Current

California Lawyers Association

Section of Trusts & Estates

Current

California

State Bar of California

• Free Consultation
  Free 30-minute initial consultation. Flat fee for complete estate plans.
• Credit Cards Accepted

Q. Is an even split of sale proceeds correct when breaking up with co-owner?

April 15, 2025

A: In order to provide you with accurate guidance regarding the division of sale proceeds, one would need a few key details about the property and your arrangement with your co-owner:

1. Ownership Structure

• How is the property titled?

(For example: Joint tenancy, tenants in common, or something else?)

• Does the deed specify any ownership percentages?

2. Purchase Contributions

• When you purchased the home with your boyfriend, did both of you contribute to the down payment?

• Was the mortgage taken out in both of your names, or just one?

3. Source of Funds

• Was your share of the proceeds from your mother’s trust used as the down payment for the home you purchased with your boyfriend?

• Did your boyfriend contribute any separate funds to the purchase?

4. Verbal Agreement

• What were the terms of the verbal agreement regarding how sale proceeds would be divided in the event of a breakup?

• Was this agreement ever documented (e.g., by email, text, or written note)?

5. Additional Contributions

• You mentioned “additional contributions” — could you clarify who made these, and what form they took (e.g., mortgage payments, home improvements, property taxes, etc.)? ... Read More

Q. What is the typical timeframe for receiving funds from a trust in California?

April 13, 2025

A: In California, trust distributions typically occur within 12 to 18 months after the trust becomes irrevocable, often upon the settlor’s death. In straightforward cases, distributions can happen in as little as 4 to 5 months.

A key factor influencing this timeline is the 120-day period outlined in California Probate Code §16061.7. This statute mandates that trustees notify beneficiaries and heirs within 60 days of the trust becoming irrevocable. Following this notification, beneficiaries have 120 days to contest the trust. While not legally required to wait, trustees often delay distributions until this period expires to mitigate the risk of legal challenges. 

If the trustee fails to distribute assets without valid reasons after this period, beneficiaries can seek legal remedies, including petitioning the court to compel distribution or remove the trustee.

Therefore, if you’ve received the trustee’s notice, it’s common for distributions to occur after the 120-day contest period concludes. If you haven’t received the notice or have concerns about delays, consider consulting a California trust attorney to understand your rights and options. ... Read More

Q. Will removing a name from joint tenancy trigger reassessment or qualify for exclusion?

April 12, 2025

A: In California, when property held in joint tenancy is transferred into a revocable trust, the joint tenancy is generally severed unless the transfer occurred during a limited window between November 13, 2003, and September 30, 2013, and specific conditions were met. Since the trust in question was created in 2015, the act of transferring the property into the trust would have terminated the joint tenancy and converted the ownership into a tenancy in common.

Upon your father’s death, his interest in the trust would pass to your stepmother according to the terms of the trust. Because this transfer occurred between spouses at death, it qualifies for the interspousal exclusion from property tax reassessment under Revenue and Taxation Code section 63 and Property Tax Rule 462.040(b)(3). Therefore, the county assessor should not reassess the property based on current market value as a result of your father’s death.

If your stepmother now removes your father’s name from title—for example, by filing an affidavit of death of trustee or similar paperwork—that administrative action alone does not trigger reassessment. As long as beneficial ownership did not change to someone other than a spouse, and the property remains in the trust as intended, the interspousal exclusion continues to apply.

Because the property was purchased in 1983 and likely benefits from a low assessed value under Proposition 13, preserving that base year value is important. Any future transfers to children or others after your stepmother’s death may trigger reassessment unless a separate exclusion applies.

Given the complexities of California’s property tax laws and trust administration, you are strongly encouraged to consult a California real estate or estate planning attorney. They can review your specific documents and circumstances to confirm how ownership is structured and whether all exclusions are properly applied. ... Read More

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