Will it make me look bad in the courts if I deny extra time outside of the court order?

It is good of you to be concerned about this. Flexibility is always good and family court judges usually encourage both parents being flexible and...

I assume that your filing for custody was the first filing in North Carolina relative to custody of this child. If not, the answer may be...

Do I have to respond to this petition that came in the mail or wait to be formally served?

If the Petition came by certified mail, you may already be served. I would not ignore this. If it came by regular mail, that may not be proper...

So please tell me how can I remove my name off of the deed. He could lose the home and my credit would be ruin

Getting your name "off the deed" is the easy part. What I think you are concerned with is getting your name off the mortgage debt which is secured...

Is there a point where we simply filed paperwork and I can just adopt the children without the biological father having any say

To adopt, you will need to terminate the parental rights of the biological father. By doing that, the bio father will no longer have any child...

Is mediation a must? How can mediation be avoided if both parties know they disagree on an issue?

The answer may deal with the rules that apply in your State. In North Carolina, a motion to modify custody requires that the parties participate...

Is there any possible way to make him help support our child?

I would suggest you go to your local child support enforcement agency. If you are receiving public assistance, they will be eager to help you...

Is there anything that I can do to make the stepmother back off?

First, let me say that this is, unfortunately, fairly common. Second, you are to be commended for being able to work at co-parenting with your...

Should I be concerned that a lawyer was used instead of a mediator or does it matter?

The fact that you mention a mediator suggests you and your wife went through a mediation. However, that does not seem to be the case. If she has...

How and where do I initiate a suit to collect this debt? What should I expect my costs to be?

I agree with the other attorney answers. It is possible you could file suit in North Carolina. However, if you obtain a judgment in North...