When does the appeal process stop?

My wife and just won our 2nd judgement for $3,000 in North Carolina - Cumberland County Small claims and district court (arbitration). Both times, the defendant didn't show up. On the last jugdement, the arbitrator said that the defendant can appeal in 30 days. We live in California and can't afford to go back to N.C. if she appeals again. When does the appeal process stop. Should we just give up and let the defendant get away with it. When will the judge/arbitrator deny appeals.

Also, in an attempt to block further legal action on this case, the defendant filed a no-contact restraining order hearing against us in Cumberland County District court. We can't afford to come back to N.C. for that hearing date. Can we send the court an Affidavit in lieu of attending in person. What happens if we don't appear? We don't have and can't afford legal representation.

Thanks for any help anyone can give us.

Beejay204