In our last post we discussed the role of alimony in a divorce. Alimony is often part of a greater property distribution negotiation process that takes place during a divorce. Property division will likely be a significant factor in the pending divorce of supermodel Heidi Klum and multiplatinum singer Seal.

Seal has sold about 20 million albums worldwide since he first became a major recording artist. Unfortunately his last few albums were not commercially well received and Klum is thought to be significantly wealthier than Seal because of her incredibly varied income streams. The former Victoria's Secret model first appeared on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list in 2002 and has earned an estimated $108 million in the decade since then.

Klum is known best as the face of the reality TV competition Project Runway. The model also hosts Germany's Next Top Model and has a fashion line and several endorsement deals. News of the split was timed around the release of Seal's most recent album, and it is likely that the stress of creating the album contributed to the divorce.

Sources say that the couple will cite "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split, which may be a codeword for Seal's infamous foul temper.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," the couple said in an interview. "We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

There have also been several rumors that the couple may yet reconcile before the divorce becomes final. Both spouses still don their wedding rings in public.

Source: Forbes, "Heidi Klum And Seal Divorce: How Much Is At Stake?" Anderson Antunes, Jan. 26, 2012