Question about Separation

My husband and I live in Virginia.
We have mutually decided that we would like
to separate. We have written up everything that pertains to who gets what, who is responsible for what, who will be the primary custodian of our children, etc..
I do not want any money from my husband or him from me. We wrote what we expected the other to due for support/both financial and physical, for our children. We left visitation open to each others agreement, With us both agreeing to Fri. & Sat. as for certain. We care for each other and our family as a whole, but our Husband/Wife relationship has been rocky for about 3 years. We are opposites, and need to be free from one another for a while to make sure this is the right thing for us.
We cannot afford an attorney, and can't qualify for legal aide. We wish only to seperate at this time. But would like to make it legal, because of finances. Can we jointly do this with out an attorney. We trust each other. We want this to be as painless as possible. Can you advise us on the necessary forms for our state, or procedures?

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

I don't suggest doing this jointly. All may be happy in separation land now, but once it starts getting down on paper, trust me it has been my experience it can get ugly.

I don't see how you can't afford an attorney. You have the right to define the scope of representation your attorney will give you. Therefore, that controls how much that attorney can charge you. Why don't you do this before deciding to do this jointly:

In Virginia, dial 411 and ask for the Virginia State Bar....call them and briefly explain your income level, the amount you CAN afford and if there are any attorneys willing to help you. Most likely, they can find something for you, and even refer you via their referral program.

Contact Legal Aid again/Virginia ABA approved law schools and ask for their family law professor. See if this attorney may know of something.

Hope this helps.