How do i get a divorce?

Me and my wife recently got devorced. We have decided to try not to make it ugly. here are my questions. Do you HAVE TO get a lawyer? do you just go down to the courthouse and get papers? roughly how much will it cost? are alamony and the sort mandatory? please feel free to get me on Y!M to ask any further questions. my account is super_toitle@yahoo.com. please give me real advice and stuff. please, if you are jaded and have been hurt in the past and are just going to say "ef that b*tch". none of that, I appreciate your help.