Laura and Leon were granted a divorce in $2022.$ In accordance with the decree, Leon made the following payments to Laura in $2022$:

Child support payments contingent on the age of the child $$9,000$

Indefinite periodic payments terminating on Laura's death $$18,000$

How much of the payments can he deduct as alimony in $2022?$

Group of answer choices

$$9,000$

$$18,000$

$$0$

$$27,000$