Did they have to serve me? Is this defamation of character?

No one has defamed you. You're dealing with a jerk; take your business elsewhere and move on.

If I sign away my parental rights, am I still accountable for past incurred debts of my child? Will I still owe child support?

You may sign away your rights; you may not sign away your obligations.

Where must a small claim be filed?

The question can't be answered without knowing more. Why is your ex suing? What is the case about? What happened?

Can I file to overturn a judge's order?

You have the right to appeal the judge's order to a higher court. In order to be successful, however, you have to show that the trial court made a...

Can I sue a landlord for not fixing a leak on a roof that they have repeatedly been told to fix?

In all probability, the answer is "yes", but you need to check your lease to see the provisions that may deal with this particular problem.

Can you win on appeal based on the other parties lack of response?

It is your burden as appellant to demonstrate the existence of meaningful legal error that justifies reversal.

Is it customary that a lawyer make settlement demands/offers without client?

The short answer is "no". You control whether to settle, whether to make or accept an offer, etc. It's your case.

I filed a motion for summary judgment and I didn't receive a respone/objection.. its been about 30 days

I would add that the burden is upon you to prove your entitlement to summary judgment. The other side does not have to respond.

Can I sue the government?

Don't bother. Without damages, there isn't a case.

If legal aid can't help, you need to contact attorneys in your area and speak with them directly to see what you may be able to arrange. You may...