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. How to contest a possibly fraudulent will in CA probate court?
- A: You can contest a will in California probate court if you believe it’s fraudulent or the result of undue influence. As a child of the decedent, you have standing to challenge the will, but you must act quickly—typically within 120 days of the will being admitted to probate.
Valid grounds to contest include:
• Undue influence (e.g., if a sibling manipulated your mother),
• Fraud (such as forgery or deceit),
• Lack of capacity, or
• Improper execution (e.g., missing signatures or witnesses).
Start by gathering evidence: medical records, prior wills, emails, or witness statements. You’ll need to file a formal will contest petition in probate court and be prepared for ... Read More
- Q. How can I prevent a trust officer from fraudulently changing distributions in California?
- A: This seems to be a clarification of an earlier question. Your concern is understandable, especially without direct access to the trust document. Here’s what generally prevents a trust officer from fraudulently changing distribution amounts in a California revocable trust:
Legal and Institutional Safeguards
1. Fiduciary Duty: California law requires trustees—including bank trust officers—to follow the trust’s terms and act solely in the beneficiaries’ interest. Altering distributions for personal gain would be a serious breach of duty and subject to legal penalties.
2. Bank Oversight: Banks have strict internal controls—audit trails, multi-person approvals, and regular audits—which ... Read More
- Q. What prevents a trust officer from changing beneficiary distributions in a CA revocable trust?
- A: Thanks for your question. Before I answer, I want to make sure I understand the context correctly.
• Is this a hypothetical question, or are you referring to a specific situation involving your own trust?
• When you say “trust officer at the bank,” are you referring to someone currently serving as trustee of your revocable trust, or someone who would step in only after your incapacity or death?
• Does your trust grant the trustee discretion over distributions, or are the amounts and recipients specifically spelled out?
Once I have those details, I can give you the most accurate response.
Generally speaking, though, in California, a trust officer—like any trustee—cannot ... Read More
