Child support

Help! I recently have gotten a final court date for child support. 6years of parenting and I finally did it but I am nervous on how things may turn out. I always have been and Ive let his dad talk me out of it. Has anyone had to go through the ups and downs of going through child support. What it required. Etc? Do I need to get my own lawyer or do I take the one provided.? I feel like I’m being a mean person by going through with it. But I also know me and my son definelty need help on our end, and help without having to argue the point down each time I say something is needed . I’m not doing this to put him in an uncomfortable position but I feel this is what’s best for my son in providing him with things he needs. His dad is not a bad dad he just does the bare minimum and often creates unnecessary challenges when it comes to money.