I have a half-sister who is a citizen in new Zealand. I live in USA. I also have another sister who also lives in USA.

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Your background is confusing. What kind of visa are you trying to get and to where?

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There is a visa for families but it does not apply to your situation – the partnership visa only applies to parents and children, and to partners of the New Zealand citizen or resident. It does not apply to siblings. The best path for getting a visa is to look at the job shortage areas where you can get priority if you are qualified in one of the skill shortage areas. At the moment there is little point in applying, because the borders are closed and this is likely to be the case for possibly the end of this year. But your best approach would be thinking about your qualifications, getting a job offer within the skill shortage areas and starting from there

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa

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If you meet the point criteria yourself, then your family can come with you. If you get a work permit, then generally your partner can also get a work permit. I don't know if you looked at the link, but as long as you are under the age of 55 and have clear health and police records, and qualify as a skilled migrant you should be able to do this

It can take from 2-3 months to a year

You do not need a lawyer-although some do use one. The fees from Immigration range depending on the visa, but essential skills is $530, and there are fees for the family

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/tools/office-and-fees-finder