Interim maintainance order

I am Ritu from punjab, I filed DV against my husband and inlaws in December 2021 and the court has decided my interim maintainance in September 2023 which is approx 30% of my husband's income in hand ( as per his affidavit). I am also working and getting almost one third of his salary. I have minor son also who is 8 years old and staying with me only. I didn't leave him rather he left both of us and ran. It's been 2 months since court order but he is not paying any maintenance before this also I was only doing everything alone for me and my son with the help of my parents. I was about to file execution as he was not paying maintainance but now I have got to know he has filed appeal for the interim maintainance orders in the appellant court. Now I have queries related to this- 1. Can I fight in appellate court myself or I should hire lawyer only for this? Which is better? 2. If I can fight myself then what are the important points I need to take care of? 3.Does he have to pay maintenance till appellate court give the verdict? 4. In case my husband will not be satisfied with the appellant court judgement also then he may appeal in highcourt then will highcourt entertain such cases as he is not giving even a single penny to us since last 5 years. What relaxation he can get from the highcourt?