The question below includes actual dates that must be used to determine the appropriate tax treatment of the transaction.

Paula pays alimony to her former spouse. The divorce decree, which was finalized in $2010,$ requires Paula to make regular cash payments to her former spouse of $$30,000$ annually. The divorce decree also requires Paula to pay the $$24,000$ annual mortgage on her former spouse's home, which they used to share. Paula still has ownership interest in the home. During the current year, Paula pays $$18,000$ directly to her former spouse, $$12,000$ for some expenses of her former spouse, and $$24,000$ on the mortgage. How much of these payments are deductible alimony in the current year?

A$.$ $$18,000$

B$.$ $$30,000$

C$.$ $$42,000$

D$.$ $$54,000$