Hi Jane. I did everything myself, it's really not as hard as it looks. The toughest thing was probably the guarantor part, because Angel had only been here just 2 years, so having someone that will guarantee that they have known him for at least 2 years, I thought, would be a struggle. However my boss, a CA, guarantored for him and all was well. Make sure his guarantor signs every document you have photocopied (as well as the photos) and fills in the appropriate section.
I didn't get anything translated, nothing, and it wasn't an issue. I sent all documents "as is", but you don't have to send his birth certificate, do you? I really can't remember what documents I sent other than his passport and visa, but will find out and update you.
The photos were easy, too, done in about 10 minutes, however, make sure that you request the "Permanent Residence" card size, and not the passport size, as there is a difference, and passport photos will not be accepted.
Also remember to order a fees receipt now if you don't have one, because it doesn't come with the downloaded version of the on-line kit. It you ordered it from the office, it would have been provided for you when you received it. You can pay the $50 at any bank, and make sure you send the government's copy of the receipt with your package.
You definitely don't need to pay a lawyer to have it done. File now, and if you're getting close to the time of travel and don't have it yet, contact them with your situation and give them a copy of your airline tickets as proof. That happened to friends of ours, they were ready to travel and didn't have his card yet, but upon contacting the Visa office, it arrived in about 10 days.
We applied in October, and the card arrived March 15! Brutal...