Appeal Regarding Calculation of Spousal Support from Annual Bonus

In a matter concerning the determination of spousal support payments, the applicant appealed the lower court's decision, arguing that the court improperly ordered the respondent to pay two-thirds of his annual bonus directly, rather than including it in his regular monthly income calculation, which the applicant claimed violated the disposition principle because the respondent had not requested this specific payment structure. The appellate court rejected the appeal, reasoning that in family law proceedings, the official and investigative principles apply, granting the court latitude, and further, that the disposition principle is not violated when a court assesses the legal basis of a claim differently than the parties argued, provided the awarded relief is covered by the initial request, especially since the awarded support amount was not less than what the respondent had offered.