Fathers have rights just like mothers do. Sadly, based on what I’ve heard, it can be harder for a father to exert his rights and win primary custody versus the mother doing so. I would imagine a great lawyer could help you a lot with this issues, so I advise you to begin seeking counsel for this issue. Even if you and your wife intend to have a clean break, you will need to fight hard for the children – people change, maybe she will change and want her children, and the court may side with her because she is their mother. I would also urge you to seek a marriage counselor if you have not already done so – if you love your children, it’s up to you to provide them with the best opportunities to grow, and there is nothing in your post to suggest that she is a bad mother for them. In fact, there is very little in your post to suggest any details about the situation, which is why I urge you to seek professional counseling to help with your problems and to build a solid future for everyone. Good luck.