How do I establish financial separation from my wife without a divorce?

Hi, I live in New Jersey and I would like to establish legal financial separation from my wife and vice versa. I'm mainly doing it to show financial independence for government student financial aid. We have been living separated since September of 2009. Would both of us signing a notarized statement stating it would be good enough? If not what do I need?|||Hire a lawyer and ask to file for a legal separation.