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Klaus Gottlieb

Klaus Gottlieb

Wealth Care, a comprehensive, orchestrated approach to estate planning
  • Estate Planning
  • California
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Biography

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.

Practice Area
Estate Planning
Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free 30-minute initial consultation. Flat fee for complete estate plans.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • German: Spoken, Written
Awards
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.
Professional Associations
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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Publications
Articles & Publications
Various Articles in the National Law Review
National Law Review
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
27 Questions Answered
Q. How to get power of attorney for deceased mother's medical records in CA?
A: You can’t use a power of attorney after someone dies. Instead, your mother’s husband—as her next of kin—can authorize you as his personal representative to request her medical records.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A death certificate

• A signed authorization letter from her husband naming you as his representative

• Proof of identity for both of you

• Possibly a notarization (depends on the facility)

Submit these to the hospital’s medical records department. Ask them if they require their own HIPAA release form.
Q. Need help with father's trust and my rights as beneficiary in California.
A: I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. As a beneficiary of a California trust, you have the right to receive a copy of the trust and to request information about how assets are being managed. If your sister is acting as trustee, she has a legal duty to act in the best interests of all beneficiaries, including providing financial transparency and avoiding self-dealing.

Power of attorney doesn’t give her the right to control trust assets — only the trustee has that authority. If the house was in the trust, and she sold it without proper notice or accounting, that may be a breach of duty. You may also have rights regarding your occupancy if your parents intended for you to remain there.

You can file a petition in probate court to compel an accounting, request a copy of the trust, or even seek her removal if there’s evidence of misconduct. It’s wise to consult a California trust litigation attorney as soon as possible — many offer free initial consultations and can help you protect your interests quickly.
... Read More
Q. Can a trust alter community property terms post-transfer?
A: Transferring community property (even if titled with right of survivorship) into a trust does not change its community property character unless there’s a valid transmutation agreement signed by both spouses under California Family Code §§ 850–852. However, placing the property into a trust generally eliminates the right of survivorship, as the trust, not the deed, governs distribution.

If both spouses agree, the trust can include provisions to reimburse a down payment and its proportional growth to a specific beneficiary, but this must be clearly spelled out in the trust and may require careful tracing.

Because this involves complex interplay between trust and community property law, it’s best to consult an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your goals are properly documented and legally enforceable. ... Read More
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Contact & Map
Wealth Care Lawyer - Klaus Gottlieb, Esq. - Estate Planning
1008 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
US
Telephone: (805) 703-2282
Monday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: A 2-min walk from the Parking Garage on 919 Palm St
Wealth Care Lawyer - Klaus Gottlieb, Esq. - Estate Planning
871 N Ocean Ave
Cayucos, CA 93430
US
Telephone: (805) 703-2282
Monday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed