I'm going to be doing some side contracting work and want the release from personal liability that an LLC can offer. Do I need to form an LLC, or are there other easier avenues?

I was researching forming an LLC on legalzoom, but quickly found many instances where the lack of personal attention caused problems that needed a legal remedy regardless.

Factors:
1) Not a primary source of income
2) Ongoing, with a partner
3) Would prefer cheap, because it is not a primary source of income