The beginning of March holds lots of promise in our house. One of my kids has a birthday. Some of us are anticipating the college basketball series. Signs of spring are beginning to make their appearances.

And after this year, I can officially add the recognition of "Divorce with Respect Week."

While the first week of March has been designated and celebrated as such in the past, the City of Pittsburgh has recently recognized March 1-8 as Divorce with Respect Week here in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County via proclamations from Mayor O'Connor and Councilmember Khari Mosley.

The timing of this week in the calendar year isn't lost on me. I feel hopeful when divorces are handled collaboratively. It's not that different from the hopes I feel when considering what the year to come might hold for my child, which underdogs might bring the upsets in March Madness, and whether I can truly put away my winter jacket until next season.

If you're holding out hope for a way to end your marriage while respecting the intricacies of all that that process might entail, consider this your invitation to find out more about collaborative divorce.