On February 19, 2026, South Carolina experienced a significant uptick in divorce rates, signaling the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marriages in the state. With the economy still struggling to recover and increased stressors on relationships, many couples have found themselves unable to sustain their marriages.According to data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, divorce filings have surged by 10% compared to the same time last year. This rise in divorces comes as a surprise to many experts, who initially predicted a decline in divorce rates as couples were forced to spend more time together during lockdowns.One of the key factors contributing to the increase in divorces is the financial strain that many families are facing. With job losses and decreased income levels, couples have found it difficult to make ends meet, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts within their relationships. Additionally, the emotional toll of the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, and isolation, has also taken a toll on many marriages.Furthermore, the closure of schools and childcare facilities has placed an added burden on parents, with many struggling to juggle work, childcare, and household responsibilities. This imbalance in roles and responsibilities has created resentment and discord in many relationships, leading to an increase in separations and divorces.Couples who have decided to end their marriages are facing additional challenges due to the backlog of cases in family courts caused by the pandemic. Delays in proceedings and difficulties in accessing legal resources have prolonged the divorce process for many couples, adding to their stress and uncertainty.As South Carolina grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, it is clear that the effects of COVID-19 on marriages will continue to be felt in the years to come. While divorce rates may fluctuate in the future, it is evident that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on relationships in the state.