Richard pays periodic spousal support and child support under a written separation agreement.

Tax treatment depends on the type of support. Periodic spousal support paid under a qualifying written agreement or court order is generally deductible to the payer and taxable to the recipient. Child support is generally not deductible to the payer and not taxable to the recipient. Option B wrongly treats child support like deductible spousal support. Option C confuses payment frequency with tax character; monthly payment does not make child support taxable. Option D is plainly incorrect because spousal support can materially affect after-tax cash flow for both parties. A financial planner should distinguish periodic support from lump-sum settlements, property transfers, arrears, legal fees, and combined agreements because classification changes projections. The planner should also ensure tax assumptions follow the wording of the agreement and should recommend legal or tax advice where facts are unclear. The planning result is measured on after-tax cash flow, not simply the gross support amount. References/topics: support payments, divorce planning, cash flow, tax deductibility.

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