Removing the walls at a stairway

Question:  Wonderful website and so full of information! I have a question about my staircase. I am in the process of opening both walls, they were closed. We have removed the drywall and have the bottom double studs on both sides and a 2x4 stud about every step and a half. I am planning on opening it up to the 5th 2x4. I should metion that I would like to keep the bottom double 2x4 supports and just column them in...But, Can I safely remove the other 4 studs and open the stairway up to about halfway? I hope this all makes sense. Thank you so very much for any help you can give. It has been a pleasure surfing around your website!

Jake's Answer:  Thank you for the nice comments about our web site.  It's nice to get the feedback, especially when its positive.  To answer your question:  You can remove the studs only if they are not carrying the load of the overhead joists.  This is a hard call to make for someone that is not well versed in residential framing construction.  I would bet that if the house was built this way originally, that the studs are load bearing.  To remove the studs, you will have to double up the rim joist at the removed studs.  This will make it a concealed header, and add joist hangers at each joist.  Again, this may have to be done by a qualified framing contractor.  Don't forget to temporarily support the joists while completing this work.