You don't need a lawyer, but hiring one could buy you peace of mind. There are
some
books (such as
How to Adopt a Child Without a Lawyer for Less Than 50 Dollars)
that outline the necessary legal processes and claim that you can
substantially reduce adoption costs by handling legal paperwork yourself.
Check your local fertility clinics and OBGYNs for adoption support groups, where
you can save yourself money and heartache by getting their advice. They will
help you pick a good lawyer.
