Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Re: When is a child able to choice which parent.

In Georgia at age 14 children get a voice by statute, although a Judge can overrule it if he feels the decision is not in a child's interests. Some judges may listen to a younger child, but don't have to, and that varies by judge. With 14 year olds the child's decision is usually followed.

With millions of people living together, having a live in lover has little shock value for many judges and some for some, so the answer depends on the facts. By itself it doesn't really indicate parental fitness.

Using a weapon on a child may be battery or another crime. It depends on the severity. But it could be considered child abuse. Since a step-father lacks a legal connection to the child, he is more likely to be prosecuted than a parent.