Virginia  |  Family Law

To answer your question fully, it would help to know if the child's father is still alive.

You can file a custody petition in the juvenile court without an attorney for $25. However, under these circumstances, it might be better to request a guardianship order from the circuit court. I may or may not have a form for this, but if you email me, I'll send you one if I can find it.

Please accept my sympathy for your loss.