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.

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

California

State Bar of California

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

Various Articles in the National Law Review

National Law Review

2024

Q. Who to contact after mother's death about estate avoiding probate?

June 9, 2025

A: I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Navigating estate matters can be complex, You mentioned that your mother worked with a lawyer to avoid probate, and there is a will specifying that her assets—including IRAs, bank accounts, and real estate—are to be equally divided between you and your sister. However, the presence of a will alone doesn’t necessarily avoid probate. It’s unclear what specific measures were taken to circumvent the probate process.

Common probate avoidance strategies in California include:

- Revocable Living Trusts: Assets placed in a trust can bypass probate.

- Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship: Assets held jointly can pass directly to the surviving owner.

- Payable-on-Death (POD) or Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designations: These allow assets like bank accounts or securities to transfer directly to named beneficiaries.

- Revocable Transfer on Death Deed (RTODD): For real estate, this deed allows property to transfer to a beneficiary upon death without probate.

If none of these instruments were used, and the estate’s value exceeds certain thresholds,

Updated Probate Thresholds in California

California has specific thresholds that determine whether an estate must go through probate:

- Personal Property: For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, estates valued at $ 208,850 or less can utilize a simplified procedure using a Small Estate Affidavit.

- Real Property: Effective April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2016 increases the threshold for transferring a decedent’s primary residence without formal probate to $750,000. This means that if your mother’s primary residence is valued at or below this amount, it may qualify for a simplified transfer process.

Reach out to the lawyer who prepared your mother’s estate documents. They can clarify whether any probate avoidance measures, such as a trust or RTODD, were implemented.

Understanding the specifics of your mother’s estate plan is crucial to determine the appropriate steps. The attorney who assisted her will be the best resource to guide you through this process. ... Read More

Q. Is a licensed trustee required if a PT practice in California revocable trust ceases operation during transfer?

June 6, 2025

A: Under California law, a professional physical therapy corporation may only be owned by a trust if the licensed spouse retains exclusive control over the shares, even if a non-licensed spouse or co-trustee is involved. According to DCA Legal Opinion 79-5 (1979), a revocable living trust with a non-licensed spouse or co-trustee can hold shares only if the trust specifies that the licensed spouse has exclusive control and that the non-licensed spouse’s interest does not exceed their community property share.

If the licensed spouse dies, the non-licensed surviving spouse must sell the shares within a typically six-month window and distribute the proceeds according to the trust terms. This means that during the licensed spouse’s lifetime, the trust can own the practice with the licensed spouse as the controlling trustee, but if the licensed spouse is no longer a trustee or after their death, the practice must cease operations or be sold within that timeframe.

To comply, your trust should include language ensuring the licensed spouse’s exclusive control over the corporation while living, and require cessation of operations or sale of the practice if no licensed trustee remains. Given the complexity and legal nuances, you should consult with an attorney well versed in California professional corporation and trust law to draft appropriate provisions. ... Read More

Q. How to protect family home from liability due to father's drunk driving?

June 3, 2025

A: To protect the family home from liability due to your father’s drunk driving, the most effective step is to amend the revocable trust now—before a problem arises. Although the home is in a revocable trust, that offers no protection from creditors during your parents’ lifetimes if your father remains a trustee/beneficiary. If he injures someone, his interest in the home could be reached by creditors in a lawsuit.

Key Recommendation:

Consult an experienced estate planning attorney to:

• Amend the trust to remove your father as trustee and/or beneficiary of the home,

• Designate your mother as sole beneficiary, ensuring her continued use and protection of the home.

Acting before an incident occurs is critical. If you wait until after an accident, any transfer could be challenged as a fraudulent (voidable) transfer.

Also consider:

• Placing the home in an irrevocable trust for your mother (stronger protection, but more complex),

• Maximizing auto and umbrella insurance coverage,

• Restricting vehicle access or pursuing conservatorship if necessary.

A qualified attorney can ensure the trust changes are legally sound and aligned with your family’s needs. ... Read More

View More Answers ›