My question involves a child custody case from the State of: VA

Hello everyone, me again. I'm getting ready to PCS out of here, and even better news: I am finally getting stationed in VA and going to live in the same state as my daughter for the first time in my military career! I am excited to start custody proceedings...any advice for someone who is trying to do this without a lawyer? Will the fact that my daughter completely failed 8th grade be enough for the judge to grant me physical custody? (She was allowed to participate in the promotion ceremony, but will be attending summer school) Also, I do not want child support from CP since she is unemployed and on a bunch of state aid and food stamps; of course, I don't think I should pay her child support anymore either if my daughter is going to be living with me. With that said, I am still worried...since she is on such a low income as it is--and is supporting 3 other children with no support from the other father/s--is it possible for her to petition the court to keep getting my support payments? And is it possible for the court to rule in her favor?

Thanks again...