Help! How to leave husband?

Hi,

I'm a 26 year old canadian living in Berlin. I'm married to a German and currently not working. We've been moving between London, Berlin, Hamburg and Montreal every 6 months for the last two years. All this moving kept me unable to get my documents (visas) in order in time to get a job, not to mention the mandatory german language and orientation class.

Now the problem is; I've made up my mind that we should at least have a separation, possibly a divorce. It's nearly impossible for me to find an appartment since I don't have a job. In a few weeks however I will be freelancer with money coming in.

My question is; How can I go about helping myself out of this marriage? Who or where should I go for help surrounding this topic? What do I need to be able to rent an appartment?

And I know, I could always go back to Canada, but it's been two years and I'd rather stay here if possible. (:

I appreciate your help!

-Andy

I'm sorry I can not answer all your questions but what I do know is that you NEED to take the intergration and orientiering course. Even if your German is at a B1 level I believe you need to take the min 200 hours of German. The whole intergration program is 600 hours plus 40 hours orientiering course. It is payed for by the government if your income is too low and only 100Euros a month (1Euro per hour) if your spouce has "adequate" income. If you pass the B1 test you can apply for 50% of the money back. You need this course in order to obtain "permanent residency" which is granted at a min after 3 years of living in Germany.

This "rule" just came into effect in the last few years. I had people in my intergration course that have lived in Germany anywhere from 1-20 years and they all had to take this course.

If you want to stay in Germany you have to ingrate and by that you need to learn German.
Good Luck