Runningwater

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience starting a charity organization.

After a recent life-changing event, I would really like to start a charity. I read up a little on it and it suggests getting legal council and that you have to abide by all the state/country laws for non-profit stuff. Any ideas on a rough estimate of these costs?

At the current time, I'm working a minor job just trying to pay the bills until I get hired to a decent paying position.

This charity would be for helping families with children with disabilities...I would not be using it for personal gain. I have a deep conviction for this though and don't want monetary restrictions being what holds this plan back.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will be researching more - but what better way to get information than from a great group of people?