Just wondering if this is classified differently from alimony from a tax deduction standpoint.
If PSS is in a court order it is deductible.
How about if it is in the separation agreement but was not court-ordered? (i.e., both parties agreed on a fair amount and signed the agreement, and payments are taking place according to the schedule).
Yes, however normally Separation Agreements do not reference PSS, support is normally described as alimony.