What is a cheaper alternative to getting a patent on an idea?

Hi, I recently had an idea for an iPhone app that I intend to sell on the app store. I'm hiring a developer to create it for me. However i'm a bit worried that he might steal my idea, I have researched into patents but i don't have the $1000s required for it. I was wondering if there was a cheaper alternative that would still give me legal ownership and authority over the app idea? Also do i really have to hire a legal authority to write my patent or can i just write it myself and how much money would i save in doing so?

It's pretty much patent or nothing and if you do it yourself you risk not doing it right and then the big companies will bury you.

You had an idea. The developer will take it anyway.

Before you talk to the developer have a lawyer draw up a non disclosure agreement and a contract to detail the work the ownership of the finished product and the payment. You need to own the end product.

Do you have $65?

If so you can file a Provisional Application for Patent. How? Well… I would give you a few links but dirtbag lawyers erase my answers when I do so you can either PM me and I will give them to you OR you can Google the term "Provisional patent video course" and find many links there. Plus you can get a free NDA you can edit for YOUR specific purpose.

You will save THOUSANDS and you CAN write it yourself!