In a recent report released by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, divorce rates in the state have surged to unprecedented levels in 2026, with experts attributing the increase to the ongoing stress and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.According to the data, the number of divorces filed in Maine has more than doubled compared to previous years, with a staggering increase of 120% in divorce cases since the start of the pandemic. Couples have cited a variety of reasons for seeking a divorce, including financial strain, increased time spent together in lockdown, and the toll that the uncertainty of the pandemic has taken on their mental health.One Maine resident, who requested to remain anonymous, shared her experience of going through a divorce during the pandemic. "The past two years have been incredibly difficult for both of us. The stress of trying to maintain our jobs while homeschooling our children and dealing with the overall uncertainty of the situation has taken a toll on our marriage. We realized that we were better off apart than together," she said.Family law attorneys in Maine have also reported a significant increase in inquiries from couples seeking to dissolve their marriages. "We have definitely seen a surge in divorce cases during the pandemic," said Sarah Johnson, a family law attorney in Portland. "Many couples have reached their breaking point after months of being confined together, and the added stress of financial worries and health concerns has only exacerbated the situation."Experts suggest that the strain of the pandemic has put added pressure on relationships that were already struggling prior to the outbreak. The lack of social interaction, increased financial strain, and the uncertainty of the future have all contributed to the rise in divorce rates in Maine.As the pandemic continues to impact daily life, it remains to be seen how divorce rates in Maine will be affected in the coming months. However, it is clear that the stress and challenges of the past two years have taken a toll on many relationships in the state.