Laura H. Cabanilla

Esplin/Weight

Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

801-373-4912

Child Custody, Child Support Modification, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Divorce Modification and Enforcement, Father's Rights, Guardianship, Juvenile, Paternity, Spousal Support


Laura Cabanilla attended college at Brigham Young University in 1980, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1986.  During college she joined the U.S. Army Reserve in order to fund her schooling and because of her desire to serve her country.  She was the only female cadet enrolled in BYU’s ROTC program at that time, and the second woman commissioned through the program.  In 2010 she was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

She was based in Kuwait but travelled frequently to Iraq and Bahrain.  She is a 1994 graduate of Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.  She previously worked as a prosecutor with the Utah County Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted many high profile criminal cases.  In 2000, Laura Cabanilla joined the law firm which is now Esplin?Weight.

Laura Cabanilla is a partner with the firm and shares in the ownership of the historic building where the firm is located.  Her practice consists primarily of family law cases (including appointment on children’s advocacy cases) and criminal defense.  She is currently serving on the Provo City Council which is a four year term.  She has previously served as the council chair, and is currently the only woman on the council.

She is married to Dave Cabanilla, an airline pilot with Federal Express and local land developer.  They have four children:  25 year old triplets:  Paige, Cliff and Sierra and 22 year old Marc.

Areas of Practice: 

Adoption
Alimony & Spousal Support
Child Support
Children’s Rights
Custody & Visitation
DUI/DWI
Divorce
Domestic Violence & Neglect
Drug Violations
Felonies
Guardianships & Conservatorships
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile Law
Living Wills
MisdemeanorParole & Probation
Paternity
Powers of Attorney and Appointment
Prenuptial Agreements
Search & Seizure Protections
Sex Offenses
Traffic Violations
Trusts Wills

Bar Admissions:

Utah, 1994
U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2002
Education:

Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah, 1994
J.D.
Law Journal: Family Law Journal, Editor, 1993 – 1994
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
B.A.
Major:  English
Representative Cases:

State v. Real Property
, 994 P2d 1254 (Supreme Court Utah 2000)
State v. Womack, 967 P2d 536 (Court of Appeals 1998)
State v. Clements, 967P2d 957 (Courts of Appeals 1998)
Honors and Awards:Christine M. Durham Public Service Award – finalist

Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge Award
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal (6 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal (2 Awards)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2 awards)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal M Device
National Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Professional Associations and Memberships:

U.S. Army Reserve 1981 – 2012
Lieutenant Colonel, USAR Retired
Past Employment Positions:

Utah County Attorney, Prosecutor, 1996 – 2000
Orem City Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor, 1995 – 1996
Languages:

Spanish
Birth Information:

1962, Starke, Florida, United States of America
290 West Center Box L
Provo, UT 84603

P: 801-373-4912
F: 801-373-4964
E: [email protected]