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 47 years to his wonderful wife, Anne, Beaver says he is among the luckiest husbands on the planet. He has a 43-year-old son fluent in Cantonese and French, who lives in Hong Kong with his Japanese wife and 7-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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How to Lose Your Case in Small Claims Court
savings Here's a story about how a predatory company that took advantage of a naive homeowner won its small claims court case, even though it shouldn't have. It holds lessons for anyone thinking about filing a suit themselves.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Surprise: Your Small Business Probably Needs Auto Insurance
business Have you ever sent a worker on a quick trip in his own car to the post office or the bakery to pick up an employee birthday cake? You may have just opened your business up to some serious liability.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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A Warning for All Owners of Personal Breathalyzers
business Just in time for New Year's Eve, take a lesson from one breathalyzer owner's experience. He was trying to be responsible and do the right thing, but he made one critical mistake.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How 2-Career Couples Can Succeed in Marriage
retirement Lessons from a lawyer's long stint in divorce court and from the author of the new book "Couples That Work."
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Why Do Incompetent People Become Business Leaders?
business Our system for hiring and promoting has become twisted over the years, the author of a new book says. Here's why and what employers and employees alike should watch out for.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Thinking of Relocating Your Business to California? Don't!
Business Costs & Regulation Let me tell you: California is La La Lawsuit Land. It can be a very expensive place to conduct business, so my advice is to steer clear.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Low Interest Rates Don’t Make Structured Settlements a Bad Deal
retirement Yes, you might be able to get a better rate of return elsewhere, but for personal injury settlements, the guaranteed tax-free income of a structured settlement is well worth anything you may be giving up.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Looking for a Job? What They Didn't Tell You in College.
college Everyone could use a practical guidebook to get a good job and to excel once you do. Luckily, there is such a guide, written by a psychologist and college professor. Here's my take on the book "Bring Your Brain to Work."
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Does a Lawyer Owe You Money?
retirement It's actually more common than you might think. Here's some advice on how to collect, and about times when you might want to just let it slide.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What to Do If You Bump Heads with a Bully of a Lawyer
retirement If you're a witness, a defendant or a junior attorney in a law firm and the lawyer you are working with is a combative bully, how should you handle the situation?
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Should You Inform Your Insurance Agent about a Burglary?
business In the case of a break-in or vandalism that doesn't result in significant damage, you may want to think twice.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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A Tenant's Advice on How to Be a Better Landlord
real estate To find your best tenants ever, you need to be the best landlord ever.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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The Power Company Fried My Appliances: What Are My Rights?
real estate If a utility company causes a power surge that kills your old (but perfectly functional) appliances, you may not like the answer to this question. The words "actual cash value" could be a costly problem for you.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Needing to Hire? Think Wrinkles
business There's a wealth of experience out there just waiting for a chance.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Salesman Dishes on How to Get a Good Deal on a New Car
Buying & Leasing a Car The internet has helped level the playing field for shoppers, if you play your cards right.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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So, You Want to Start a Foundation? Great!
retirement Charitable aspirations are commendable, but good intentions alone aren't enough when dealing with the complexities and legalities of setting things up and accepting contributions. Here are some points to consider.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What is My Liability for a Data Breach?
Scams If you're a business owner, you have got to be on guard against hackers. Don't just hope for the best, instead, assume the worst.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Should I Change Lawyers?
Smart Buying Maybe your lawyer isn't keeping you in the loop, or others are advising you to jump ship in the middle of your case. What happens to any liens you have in place, and what about your current lawyer's fees? There's lots to think about.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Is Your Home Adequately Insured by the Right Company?
insurance Do you know what an "admitted" insurance company is? Some folks hit by the Paradise, Calif., fire learned that lesson and a couple others the hard way.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What NOT to Do When Discovering an Employee Is Stealing
employees Certainly you want your money back, but if you go about getting it the wrong way, you could be facing felony charges of your own.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Golden Rules for Going Into Business for Yourself
business Yes, there are a lot of do-it-yourself resources out there to start your own business, but there are also more risks than ever. It helps to have a team of professionals on your side.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Understanding and Dealing With Misers
Making Your Money Last Everyone runs into these aggravating people at times: All take and no give. A little understanding and a few basic strategies can help you handle them.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Should I Go Back to School and Become a Lawyer?
college If you're already doing well in your chosen career, going to law school part time to add a J.D. to your resume could be one of the biggest career mistakes you could make.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Have You Been Duped?
Scams Dating singles, consumers and retirement savers alike can see how not to get taken by learning from one woman's mistakes, detailed in the book "Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married."
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
Scams