Child custody in Virginia is determined based on the child's best interest, with physical and legal custody options available. Parents can negotiate informally, use collaborative law, or seek mediation to reach agreements. If no agreement is reached, a judge will decide based on various factors, including the child's needs, parent fitness, and relationships. Grandparents seeking custody must demonstrate their ability to care for the child. Custody orders can be modified under specific circumstances with a court petition. The legal process for changing custody orders involves submitting a petition and the court's decision based on the child's best interest. It is crucial to seek legal support from experienced family law attorneys during divorce in virginia.