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.
- Estate Planning
- Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
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Free Consultation
Free 30-minute initial consultation. Flat fee for complete estate plans. - Credit Cards Accepted
- California
- State Bar of California
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- English: Spoken, Written
- German: Spoken, Written
- 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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- Various Articles in the National Law Review
- National Law Review
- Q. Can I sue a trustee for emotional distress due to their actions in California probate court?
- A: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) is a high-threshold tort in California. To win, you must prove: (1) the trustee’s conduct was outrageous; (2) it was intended to cause or recklessly disregarded the risk of causing distress; (3) you suffered severe emotional distress; and (4) their actions caused it. Courts set a high bar for what qualifies as “outrageous,” and success rates are low without egregious facts and strong evidence. There’s no exact success rate published, but these claims are rarely successful unless behavior is extreme.
You cannot bring an IIED claim in probate court. Probate courts handle trust and estate administration—not tort claims. To sue a trustee ... Read More
- Q. Can the last will be absorbed into an irrevocable trust after the settlor's death and how to object a petition to close estate administration?
- A: The key issue is whether the executor of the will and the trustee of the trust are the same person. If they are, it may simplify administration, but it also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest—especially if the will and trust name different beneficiaries or contain inconsistent instructions.
Whether the will is a pour-over will or includes specific bequests is something that can only be determined by reviewing the actual documents. A pour-over will simply transfers remaining assets to the trust at death, while a will with specific bequests must have those honored before any transfer occurs. You cannot know which type it is without reading the will and any codicils.
... Read More
- Q. Received a letter as beneficiary from Canadian lawyer. How to verify it's genuine?
- A: To verify if the letter is genuine, start by independently confirming the lawyer’s identity using the Canadian provincial law society’s website to ensure they’re licensed and in good standing. Then call the law firm directly using contact information from their official website to confirm the lawyer sent the letter.
Consider checking probate court records in the province where the deceased supposedly lived to see if the estate exists and lists you as a beneficiary. Be cautious if asked for upfront payments, sensitive personal information, or if there’s pressure to act quickly or keep things secret. Don’t send banking details, ID scans, or your social security number.
Consider ... Read More
