Free Consultation: (805) 703-2282Tap to Call This Lawyer
Klaus Gottlieb

Klaus Gottlieb

Wealth Care, a comprehensive, orchestrated approach to estate planning
  • Estate Planning
  • California
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
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
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
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
Placeholder image for professional associations.
San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
California Lawyers Association
Section of Trusts & Estates
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Publications
Articles & Publications
Various Articles in the National Law Review
National Law Review
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
15 Questions Answered
Q. Legal guidance needed for inheritance dispute over late mother's estate in California.
A: New Question: Legal guidance needed for inheritance dispute over late mother's estate in California.

Related Details: I urgently need legal guidance regarding my late mother's estate in California. My brother has excluded me from my rightful inheritance and is using the assets for personal gain. He denied me access to sentimental belongings like jewelry, family albums, a bedroom set, vehicles, and bank accounts. The trust was not executed properly, as it was never recorded, and my mother did not agree with what the trustee found. My brother has been living rent-free for two years without my agreement, and I have text messages, emails, and witnesses confirming his actions, including attempts to obtain accounting records and my interest in potentially obtaining a TRO. His neglect of my mother and lack of transparency in accounting have caused me significant distress, especially given my mental disability. What legal options do I have to secure my inheritance? ... Read More
Q. Am I included in my uncle's will?
A: To find out if you’re included in your late uncle’s will in California:

1. Contact the executor. If you don’t know who the executor is, ask family members. Executors are legally required to notify all named beneficiaries. If you’re included in the will, you should receive a formal notice. Ask yourself: would the executor know how to reach you if you happen to be a beneficiary? If not, they might not be able to notify you directly — so it’s important that you take the initiative to contact them.

2. Search probate court records in the county where your uncle lived. Wills become public once they’re filed with the court. Many California counties offer online probate search tools. If you find a case, you can request a copy of the will from the court clerk.

3. If no probate case is found, the estate may not have gone through probate yet, or may be handled outside of court. In that case, you can petition the court to compel whoever holds the will to file it.

4. Your uncle may or may not have made a will. If there is no will, California’s intestate succession laws apply, which typically favor close family members.
... Read More
Q. Is an even split of sale proceeds correct when breaking up with co-owner?
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
View More Answers
Social Media
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
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
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
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed