Between the time your J1 visa expires, and you finally get around to filing the adjustment of status forms, you will be considered out of status and subject to deportation. Simply being married to a US citizen will not stop that, you have to be in process of adjusting your status. I would hope that would be enough motivation to over come the procrastination!!

You should file the petition and adjustment of status as soon as possible after the marriage.

An immigration attorney definately could help the process, as some of the forms/processes are a bit complicated. You should read up on the process as much as possible before seeking advice so you can have a good idea of what is needed and specific questions ready.

The USCIS web site below will have a ton of information

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis