Jury trials aren't common in North Carolina divorces. They're the exception, not the rule.If you file for divorce, your spouse does not have to complete or sign any paperwork, file anything with the court, or go to court for the divorce hearing. The first step is filing a complaint or petition. INTRODUCTION: As a service to our legal assistance clients, we have prepared this handout with frequently asked questions involving the divorce process. Unfortunately, having a jury trial also takes the knowledge of law out of the divorce procedure and can become a costly matter. In the past, people facing accusations of criminal charges in North Carolina (felony or misdemeanor) could not waive the right to a jury trial. Jury: Will I be locked up in a hotel during the trial? This guide is intended to help a person who wants to file or defend a civil case in the United States. Does the Clerk's office have forms to file for divorce?