if we make up an agreement ourselves from examples(we do not have $ to have a lawyer check it) and have it signed and notarized. is it a legal binding document? the county clerk said we do not have to file it or file anything. how does that make it a legal separation, if nothing is noted or recorded?
Yes, you can create your own separation agreement without involving lawyers. You would each need to sign and notarize it, making it a binding contract. You don’t need to file anything at all with the court for it to be effective.