Several months ago, newspapers and media sources across the country were following the volatile and bitter child custody dispute between Mel Gibson and his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. There had been accusations of domestic violence and unfit parenting that escalated their fight over who would get custody of their young daughter.

Child custody disputes in general can become a source of contention between two parents who are in the middle of a divorce. Typically courts will look to see what sort of custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child. In some instances, that can result in parents trying to make the other look bad in hopes that the custody arrangement will be in their favor.

In the case of Gibson and his ex-girlfriend, their legal proceedings included criminal charges of domestic violence after Grigorieva accused Gibson of punching her in the face. Gibson was sentenced to several years of probation as a result. But Gibson also claimed that Grigorieva resorted to extortion when she released tapes of his violent outbursts.

Currently it is unclear what the specific conditions of the custody agreement are; the final terms will be announced in court later this month. But it is likely that the court took into account all the different accusations when deciding what the custody plan should look like.

In this situation, it is difficult to imagine what the ultimate agreement will say. Will one parent be given primary custody and the other visitation rights? Will visits be strictly monitored? Will both parents have to see each other every time the child goes from one parent to the other? If Gibson is physically violent, how will the agreement ensure that the child is safe?

According to the news report, Gibson and Grigorieva settled on the terms of the agreement. This means that while both parties did not get exactly what they wanted, they were able to reach agreeable terms so that they each are satisfied with the end result.

Source: Reuters: "Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva settle child custody," Bob Tourtellotte, Aug. 27, 2011.