In what state can i ask for a legal sepration

I WAS MARRIED IN NEW YORK STATE. I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR ALMOST 8 YEARS NOW. I AM UNHAPPY ABOUT MY MARRIAGE AND SEEM LIKE IT IS ONLY GETTING WORSE. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE NOW MOVED TO NORTH CAROLINA AND HAVE LIVED HERE FOR 2 YEARS. I WANT THE SEPERATION TO BE LEGAL BUT NOT READY FOR A FULL DIVORCE. I CAN’T AFFORD TO FILE FOR ONE. NOT ONLY THAT WE HAVE 3 CHILDREN TOGETHER AND I HAVE 1 THAT IS NOT HIS. WHERE DO I GO HERE IN CHARLOTTE NC TO FILE AND CAN I FILE HERE?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT.
TINA KSIONZYK [V]