The singer, 42, attended court in Los Angeles on Friday for the first time to face Stephen Belafonte, who she says subjected her to years of physical and mental abuse.
The pair both have outstanding tax debts after making 'improvident' lifestyle choices, Los Angeles Superior Court was told.
She was revealed to be making between $194,000 and $198,000 a month.
Belafonte, who claims his income is zero, is asking for backdated wages of $118,000, $2,728 in perks, $71,581 in spousal support and $200,000 to pay for his ongoing legal costs.
His lawyer, Grace Jamra, asked Judge Lawrence Riff to order the sale of the couple's Los Angeles home if necessary. It is currently on the market for $8 million.
She said said: 'Their lifestyle was extravagant and affluent.
His lawyer, Grace Jamra, asked Judge Lawrence Riff to order the sale of the couple's Los Angeles home if necessary. It is currently on the market for $8 million.
She said said: 'Their lifestyle was extravagant and affluent.
In exclusive DailyMail.com pictures the former Spice Girl looked confident as she strode into the downtown LA court building in black pants, a white shirt, lace tie and a pair of trendy black shades.
Flanked by her legal reps, the pop star stayed quiet as she entered the building.
The former couple, who were married for 10 years, are battling over money and custody of their child.
Mel B, whose real name is Melanie Brown, sat clutching a tissue at the far side of the court to the suited Belafonte and they were separated by four lawyers.
Jacalyn Davis, representing Brown, spoke of their tax problems, saying they were 'sustained through improvident lifestyle choices'.
'They never had money at the end of the year to pay their taxes,' she added.
'All their community income was being spent and then some.
'In this marriage that would be Miss Brown's income from the Spice Girls.
'Prickly things happen when the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) doesn't get paid.'
On Friday, Judge Riff told the former couple he was 'sorry they engaged in such a rancorous fight' as he concluded the spousal support hearing.
He postponed his decision on whether Belafonte will be granted a total of $118,000 in spousal support - backdated to March - until Wednesday.
Judge Riff's decision to postpone came at the end of a bad-tempered hearing that lasted over two and a half hours - split into two sessions.
Dailymail
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