Question on Seperation

For all legal purposes they are still husband and wife as they are not declared 'divorced' legally.

Respected lawyers/ Advocates ,

Need your expert advice on my situation please.

My wife and me got married in 2008. It was a love marriage. Everything was going on well until she began to develop a bitter attitude against my family. She never use to mingle with them. I on the contrary used to respect her parents and visit them, go to their family functions etc.

We are blessed with two kids. My wife never gave me the rights as a father over the kids. She would not allow me to take them to my parents place. This has been a bone of contention between us.

Also, she has deserted me post a quarrel we had in Feb 10 and has been staying with her parents. Am not allowed to visit my kids. She is a working women. She is very adamant and tries creating her own rules. She has now submitted a petition for judicial separation under section 13 of family act for cruelty  and am asked to appear before the family court.

Please advice on how best to handle the situation.