© 2026 Wealth Care Lawyer — Klaus Gottlieb, Esq. Serving the California Central Coast.
A thoughtful estate plan puts you in control — of who inherits what, who makes decisions if you can't, and how your loved ones are cared for without courts, delays, or conflict.
Serving San Luis Obispo · Paso Robles · Morro Bay · Cambria · Cayucos · Atascadero · Arroyo Grande · Pismo Beach
Schedule a Free ConsultationEstate planning isn't just for the wealthy or the elderly. If you own a home, have children, or simply care about what happens to the people you love — you need a plan.
In California, dying without a trust means your family will likely face probate: a public court process that can take 12 to 24 months and consume 3–7% of your estate in fees. A revocable living trust avoids all of that.
The same applies to incapacity. Without a durable power of attorney and a healthcare directive, your family may be forced to petition a court just to pay your bills or make medical decisions on your behalf — even as your spouse.
The good news: a well-drafted plan is a one-time project that protects everything you've built, for everyone you love.
Most California homeowners exceed the probate threshold. A living trust keeps your estate out of court — and out of the public record.
A durable power of attorney and healthcare directive mean your chosen people — not a judge — make decisions on your behalf if illness or injury leaves you unable to act.
Name guardians for minor children, provide for a child with a disability without jeopardizing their benefits, or structure gifts to protect young beneficiaries from themselves.
A clear, funded plan spares your family from guesswork, conflict, and delays during an already difficult time. That clarity is one of the most generous gifts you can give.
Every plan is tailored to your family, your assets, and your wishes — not a template. Here's what a complete estate plan typically includes.
The foundation of most California estate plans. A living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to your beneficiaries privately, immediately, and without probate.
A will works alongside your trust to catch any assets not transferred into the trust and to name guardians for minor children — one of its most important functions.
Authorizes a trusted person to manage your finances, real estate, and legal affairs if you become incapacitated — without requiring a court proceeding.
Combines a healthcare power of attorney and a living will into a single document — naming your healthcare agent and stating your wishes about end-of-life care.
Provides for a loved one with a disability without disqualifying them from SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested government benefits — preserving both their benefits and your inheritance.
For clients who want to leave a legacy beyond their family — with meaningful tax benefits, lifetime income, and support for the causes they care about most.
Most clients complete their estate plan in two to three meetings. There's no pressure and no legalese — just clear guidance at every step.
We discuss your family, your assets, and your goals — in person or by video. No charge for this first conversation.
We design the right plan for your situation — which documents you need, how assets should be titled, and what decisions to make upfront.
We review your documents together — plain English, no surprises — then sign with a notary. We handle the logistics.
We guide you through transferring assets into your trust so it actually works. An unfunded trust is a missed opportunity.
Our offices are in San Luis Obispo and Cayucos, and we serve families throughout San Luis Obispo County. Whether you're in Paso Robles wine country, the beach communities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the quiet hills of Atascadero, the coastal village of Cambria, or the South County communities of Arroyo Grande — you don't have to drive to an office to get a plan done right.
Video consultations are available for all clients throughout California. We combine local knowledge of the Central Coast with the legal and analytical depth your plan deserves.
Not on this list? We serve all of San Luis Obispo County and can assist clients statewide by video.
Estate planning raises real questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often.
Schedule a free consultation. We'll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and give you a clear path forward — no pressure, no jargon.
Schedule a Free Consultation