Are there / what are the risks to filing a provisional patent application?

One risk may be insufficient disclosure (description and/or drawings). Priority is lost for inventive aspects insufficiently disclosed in the...

Can someone file for a design patent that looks like my product if I have a utility patent on it?

Yes, someone may file for and obtain a design patent if the claimed design is found by the USPTO to be new and non-obvious over what is...

Do I need an attorney for an ID patent?

I would only add that a design patent is relatively inexpensive. Securing a copyright, if the design qualifies, and/or a trademark, costs typically...

Is it a mistake to try and file a non-provisional patent without a lawyer?

You need to work with a patent attorney ASAP. You have serious misunderstandings about the patent process. There is no such thing as a provisional...

In regards to utility patents, about how much can I expect to pay an attorney to safeguard and protect our idea/product?

Agreed with my colleagues. Shop around for the attorney who meets your criteria in terms of experience, technical background, fee structure (flat...

Does intellectual property rights only extend to the device listed on the  claims?

Plus, the claims may cover more than they literally recite, under the Doctrine of Equivalents (substantially same function, same way, same result)....

Yes, if that company receive a patent and your product infringes on that patent, you'll need to stop making and selling your product. And any other...

What do i need to file the BEST PROVISIONAL PATENT POSSIBLE? Specific points (not generic advice) is GREATLY appreciated

You already received two good responses from my colleagues. Read them VERY carefully. I would only add that if you expect to be taught here on...

How does a provisional application offer protection(filing date) if invention is still being development?

Thus, as my colleague indicates, a series of provisionals may be the answer. Each may cover what is known at the respective time. Later, the...

Risk in refiling a provisional patent?

If not ready yet to file the non-provisional application, filing a provisional application for patent to protect the improvement may be the next...