About Us
Suzanne Geer
Suzanne graduated from Texas Tech University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, then escaped the Great State of Texas, moving to Missoula in 1993. She graduated University of Montana School of Law in 1996 and opened a solo practice in downtown Missoula in the Masonic Lodge building. In 1998 she partnered with attorney Douglas Skjelset until his retirement. In 2018, she and Francisco Crespo began a new venture with Geer Crespo Law. Suzanne and her spouse Ren Frank moved to the Bitterroot Valley 20 years ago. She’s rebuilt an MGA convertible, ridden (part of) the Western States endurance run, and titled a Great Pyrenees in obedience. She’s a pretty decent vegan cook. She and Ren live on 10 acres with three elderly cats, two Belgian Tervuren dogs, and a loudmouthed Chihuahua.
Francisco J. Crespo
Francisco left his home state of New Jersy and his job as a firefighter at Fort Lee Fire Dept. #4 in 1993. He took his motorbike to Arizona to commune with the scorpions and rattlesnakes while wrenching on more bikes. Several years later he discovered Missoula from a Greyhound bus and has called Missoula home ever since. Cisco taught elementary and middle school at Missoula International School (math, science and Spanish) before graduating from University of Montana School of Law in 2012. In addition to his private practice, he volunteered at Missoula County Self-Help Law Center, earning a pro bono award before becoming an associate at Skjelset & Geer in 2017. He partnered with Suzanne Geer in 2018 and started Geer Crespo at Law. Francisco married a lovely 5th generation Montanan, and they are raising their family in Missoula. Francisco’s practice concentrates on personal injury, family law, wills, estate planning, and probate. He is passionate about providing legal assistance to persons facing injustice. Call and see if he can help you.
Douglas Skjelset
Douglas retired in 2021 and is no longer practicing law, but his overarching presence, influence and gravitas merit far more space than this webpage can hold (and than he will allow). Admitted to the Montana bar in 1970, Doug served in the JAG Corps before moving to Missoula. He associated with a local firm before launching Skjelset Law Offices. The Skjelset name was on a law office door from then until 2018. He didn’t specialize and rarely signed a contract. He represented workers and the ordinary people, especially in worker’s compensation and personal injury cases, and he operated on a word and a handshake. Doug claims he didn’t learn to spell his last name until 5th grade, and that he thought he lived in “Nordakoda” until he was 12. While Doug no longer practices, he is frequently at Geer Crespo at Law, dispensing advice and bad jokes equally. The only thing Doug loves more than elk hunting and ice fishing and practicing law is his family and many, many friends.
Initial Consultations No Charge
FAMILY LAW - DIVORCE AND PARENTING
Some of the weightiest and most frightening questions in life are those concerning your relationships with partners, spouses and children. A trusted and experienced lawyer can help you navigate the emotional and legal hurdles that arise when those relationships dissolve.
Best interests of the children, calculation of child support, division of marital assets and liabilities, questions of maintenance, common law marriage, legal separation – all these issues are family law matters we can help with.
Probate
One of the most thankless and emotionally difficult tasks in life is picking up the pieces after a loved one dies. The legal process of probating a will, including locating and transferring assets, and determining and contacting creditors, can be overwhelming. Talk to us about whether a probate is necessary, and if so, how to proceed. We offer compassionate, detailed assistance to get through such a loss with dignity and grace.
Life Planning
While sometimes difficult to discuss, end of life planning is critical for you and your loved ones. Failure to discuss these matters can result in misunderstandings between family members, and panic, financial distress, frustration and emotional upheaval at the end of life rather than the peaceful passing we would want.
Power Of Attorney
If you are incapacitated or disabled, a power of attorney appoints a trusted friend or family member to access your bank accounts to pay your bills and make financial decisions for you. A medical power of attorney appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Wills
A will nominates a trusted person to handle your estate after your death. Not everyone needs a will. Whether or not you do, and whether that will should include a testamentary trust, these are questions we can discuss and answer for you. On line forms are suitable for many purposes, but determining whether your will is necessary, valid, and will do what you want – those are questions for an attorney. Give us a call to discuss these matters; we can help.
Advanced Directives
An advanced directives or living will states exactly what medical care you desire in the event you become unable to communicate those decisions to your doctors and family. It gives you a voice in determining your own medical treatment and ensuring that your health care providers follow your wishes.
GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP
A parent or child disabled by physical or mental illness may need legal guardianship for their physical well-being, and conservatorship for protection of their assets. The legal complexities of these processes can be daunting. Call us to discuss your options.
The opposite is also true, in that you may need legal assistance because someone in your life is trying to impose a guardianship or conservatorship on you or your parent or child. Again, call us to discuss what you can do.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
If you are unable to work due to a medical diagnosis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Depending on the assets you own, you may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Our firm takes SSDI and SSI cases at the initial application level. If you are unable to work due to a medical condition and believe you qualify for Social Security assistance, contact us for help with the process.
PERSONAL INJURY
A car crash or other accident can result in pain, suffering, medical bills, loss of transportation and possibly employment. Insurance companies — even your own — are focused on their bottom line, not yours. Don’t settle your case with your insurance company without talking to a lawyer. Call us. We can help.