The law provides us with rules of conduct for an orderly society - and changes in society lead to changes in the law. We elect officials who are responsible for enacting the legislation that governs, among other things, criminal behavior, employment, banking, and transportation issues – and how to divide the property a couple accumulated during a marriage when that marriage ends.

Judges then interpret and define that legislation and their decisions become precedents for future similar cases.

Lawyers, on the other hand, interpret how the laws should be applied to individual clients and advise them accordingly. Giving legal advice includes telling their clients what they should or should not do.

Clients who know what the rules of conduct are can apply the law to their own circumstances. They are clearly capable of deciding for themselves the course of action that is best for them.