H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He also became a highly visible presence on local television and radio as a legal affairs reporter. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, "You and the Law," carried by a number of papers in California.
Married for 49 years to his wonderful wife, Anne, Beaver says he is among the luckiest husbands on the planet. He has a 46-year-old son fluent in Cantonese and French, who lives in Hong Kong with his Japanese wife and 9-year-old grandson. Beaver is fluent in Swedish and French and is a frequent guest on Voice of America French to Africa radio broadcasts and the VOA television program Washington Forum.
"I love law for the reason that I can help people resolve their problems, and my newspaper column reaches so many people in need of down-to-earth advice not influenced by how much I am paid. I have never used any aspect of journalism as a form of advertising. I never charge readers for help, as I do not believe this would be ethical, and, in reality, they are the source of many of my columns. I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."
Latest articles by H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
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Understanding Our Regrets Today Can Improve Our Financial Tomorrow
Feelings of regret, especially about financial decisions or inaction, are universal, but it’s possible to turn them into life’s best positives.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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How NOT to Deal with Difficult People at Work
careers Stuck in a contentious job and don’t know what to do? The new book “Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)” can help steer you through the conflicts that crop up in the workplace.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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8 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Promoted at Work
careers Has your career stalled? See if you’re making any of these all-too-common mistakes.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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How NOT to Deal With Conflict at Work and Otherwise
careers Hint: Blowing your top at the office or at home is usually not a good idea!
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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ADA Violation or Just Bad Business? Honey, I Shrunk the Menu!
When a chain restaurant introduced a new menu with teeny-tiny print, customers were not happy. But was it illegal?
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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Car Buyers: The 3-Day Grace Period Is Just a Myth!
Buying & Leasing a Car Many car buyers think they have three days after making a purchase to return a car. Here’s where they’re going wrong, and what they should do instead to get a decent used car.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Who Pays When a Test Drive Ends in Engine Failure?
cars A test drive gone wrong ended in a catastrophic engine failure, and the used car sales manager insisted the customer should be on the hook for the major repair bill. But she fought back.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Doctor, If Accused of Malpractice, Here Is What NOT to Do
personal finance What should a doctor do when facing the possibility of a malpractice suit? An attorney who represents physicians and another who represents patients share their (sometimes differing) expert opinions.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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When Newspaper Editors Fail to Edit, Harm Can Result
personal finance Don’t believe everything you read, because there’s a lot of bad advice out there. Writers make mistakes. Editors don’t catch them all. And sometimes when mistakes are pointed out, nothing happens.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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It’s Time to Cater to the Over-65 Crowd, Or Else!
personal finance Businesses can’t afford to ignore the fastest growing market in the world. Here’s how businesses shoot themselves in the foot with these valuable employees and customers (and by the way, don’t call them “seniors” or “elderly,” either).
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Red Flags in Hiring (or Dating!) the Wrong People
personal finance Trusting people who consistently pursue the wrong job candidates or always seem to end up dating bad apples may have a few weaknesses in common.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What It Really Means When a Lawyer Says, ‘I’m Too Busy to Take Your Case’
personal finance It could mean they really are busy … or it could mean that your case is a stinker. Here’s how to tell the difference.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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6 Ways Your Lawyer (and You) Can Screw Up Your Family Law Case
Divorce Nothing hits closer to home than divorce and child custody cases. When lawyers get involved, things can go horribly wrong if you make these six common mistakes.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What to Do When Your Tenant is a Hoarder!
real estate investing Landlords must be very careful how they approach this tricky situation. Handled incorrectly, you could be in for a lawsuit.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How NOT to Sell Your Idea at Work
careers Unless you want to damage your credibility and undermine your career, don’t make these 10 blunders when presenting a proposal at your workplace.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Why Can’t I Find a Lawyer to Take My Defamation Case? (Blame Barbra Streisand!)
personal finance The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation case may be over, for now, but if you want to file a suit to protect your own reputation, think twice. Here’s why.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Travel Warning: Inkeepers Laws Can Cost You – Just Ask This Marriott Guest
travel When almost $9,000 in luggage vanished, you’d think the world’s biggest hotel chain would reimburse its guest. You would be wrong.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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The Key to Employee Retention? Compassion!
small business If companies want to hold on to their best employees, they have a powerful (and free) tool at their disposal. They need to connect with empathy but lead with compassion. Here are some insights on how to do that.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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The Cure for the Great Resignation: Hire Older Workers
careers A Yale psychology professor smashes myths on aging and the worth of older workers in her fascinating and uplifting new book, “Breaking the Age Code.”
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Accident Victims (and Their Doctors) Sometimes Get Shafted by Letters of Protection
personal finance If your personal injury lawyer wants you to sign a letter of protection for your health care bills, be aware of some potential pitfalls.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Worried Your Neighbor’s Tree Will Fall on Your Property?
home insurance Is your neighbor too cheap to take care of their trees, putting your property at risk? It’s a common problem, and sometimes bringing it to their attention gets no results. A property damage and personal injury attorney weighs in on what to do next.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Keep Your Employees from Jumping Ship During the Great Resignation
careers A Harvard career adviser has some advice for companies: Don’t blame your workers for leaving. Fix the mistakes you’re making! Here are five big blunders too many employers make.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Buying a Horse? Do NOT Make These 6 Mistakes
personal finance You’ve thought through the costs of ownership, the time commitment and the logistics involved in owning a horse, and you’re ready to buy. Before you pony up, prepare to make a smart transaction.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Say ‘I Don’t’ to Unfair Prenups
Divorce Based on his experience reviewing prenuptial agreements for his clients, one attorney has some firm advice: If your betrothed or prospective in-laws ask you to sign a “standard” prenup, just say no.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
Divorce