As you and your wife are separating then the best thing you can do is to draw up a "deed of separation". This can cover all financial arrangements between you and your wife, welfare of the children and any future plans for divorce or not as the case maybe.
If the separation lasts for two years or more, without reconcillation, then it may be used in divorce procedings. Although it is not legally binding and providing that it was drafed correctly (ie Solicitor), it will hold great weight should the question of divorce arise. For it is only in divorce proceedings, that asset allocation is determined, so the question of obtaining half of the family home is a none starter, unless done by amicable constent.
Given the age of your children, the two years will coincide with their coming of age, as the courts first consideration will be to the childrens welfare.
For further information please visit
http://www.communityl...808/FC/leaflet03e.pdf
Peace....