I'll add my 2 cents to this. For the OP, probably a local registry and self help book will serve her needs but she needs to remember to file those annual returns. If she doesn't, the company will eventually get "struck" and its a real pain to fix that.
This all comes down to whether you want to pay for convenience and want to have it taken care of by someone who knows what they're doing. The larger your company, the more you will need a lawyer.
A law firm will charge you if you hire them to incorporate, maybe $300 to $700 over and above the registration fees for a simple and basic incorporation. You can do it yourself, but the law firm will have it done in a nice binder (minute book) with all the information tabbed and the necessary resolutions prepared. You'll also get some basic advice, but most of which is probably in those self-help books.
Most accountants provide a similar (and often exact) level of service, and are a good alternative. Like law firms, the fee varies, though most accountants are a little cheaper at this stage. (An accountant who has your minute book makes his money providing other services)
You have to have a registered office, and if you use your lawyer's or accountant's (or other provider's) office, they'll charge you an annual fee, but they'll take care of all the registration hassles. You'll just get a bill and some papers to sign every year. Again, the price varies greatly.
Anybody can spend a short period of time and learn to do it right. Many times I see well intentioned people doing it on their own to save money, but who end up with a headache or worse.
Use a good bookkeeper for your day-to-day services, an accountant at least annually if your taxes become more complicated, and a lawyer if you have something to protect.
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