Is it permissible for a husband to abandon his wife and children for a year irrevocably, and to desire divorce without retracting his abandonment?

The husband should not abandon his wife in this situation. He should either keep her honorably or separate from her kindly. Leaving a wife in suspension is an injustice and a sin. It is advisable to continue striving for reconciliation and not to rush into divorce, for reconciliation is best, as Allah Almighty says: "And if a woman fears from her husband nushuz (ill-treatment or desertion) or desertion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between themselves. And settlement is best." One should seek help through supplication and not despair. If reconciliation becomes impossible, and cohabitation is difficult, and the continuation of the marriage causes harm, then divorce is better to remove the corruption. If the husband refuses to divorce, the matter can be referred to the Sharia (definition) court for divorce or khul' (divorce at the wife's instance). After divorce, Allah may facilitate another spouse for each of them, as Allah Almighty says: "But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance. And Allah is ever encompassing and wise."