Well...in Virginia, usually fathers can gain custody of their children. The law thus no longer favors one parent over the other. Therefore, the parent seeking custody must meet the same criteria as to what is in the best interests of the child. According to the section 20-107.2 of the Virginia Code provides in part that with regards in awarding the custody of the child or children, the court may give consideration to joint custody or to sole custody, but it shall also give primary consideration to the welfare of the child or children, and as between the parents, there shall be no assumption or inference of law in favor of either person.
Hoping the info will help you...

hmmm...am also striking through a question that "can step fathers obtain custody?" I don't have any such situation related but just wanna know...
Could anyone answer it for me plzzzzzzzzz!!
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Manna

Hey Manna!!!!!!
I’m just guessing here... I think the answer is 'No'...if there’s mother and the father of the child under consideration; they are first regarded to come first before a step father. But if both were unfit or incapable to be a guardian/parent I think in that situation it would go to the grandparents before a step father... I don’t know, its just a guess