NIWChance,
I've always given this advice that if you can afford it, hire a good lawyer. There is no alternative to good professional advice/ services. After all, it's a matter of your future. But even if you do hire a lawyer, it shouldn't stop you from doing research, and even spending some money in doing so. DIY kits tend to give you a good idea what's involved in the process. Be careful about spending your money, though, since there are a number of scams out thre too. The best source of information is the immigration forums, and this forum has the best information available. You'll just have to search for it.