Court date for Mel Gibson and ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva

Mel Gibson and ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva will go to court next month for a hearing about their daughter.

The former couple - whose separation has turned increasingly bitter over the past few weeks - are set to appear in front of a judge on July 20 to fight over the welfare of their eight-month-old child Lucia.

Mel's lawyer Stephen Kolodny told RadarOnline.com: "His primary interest is in not having his time and relationship with his infant daughter, Lucia, interfered with."

Following their split in April - which they initially insisted was amicable - Oksana has made a series of allegations claiming Mel was abusive towards her.

The Russian singer filed for a restraining order against the actor, allegedly saying he is "extremely violent", but attorney Stephen has sine claimed she only went to court because she regrets agreeing to share equal custody of Lucia.

Stephen said: "Having entered into an agreement that allows for overnight, unrestricted visitation, and would soon result in Mel having 50/50 custody of their daughter, an agreement reached after a two-day mediation with two retired Superior Court judges, Mel was hopeful their break-up was behind them and Lucia would be the beneficiary of co-operative parenting. Apparently Lucia will be denied that good fortune. Making sensational allegations is not the way to resolve this."

After seeking the order last Monday June 24 - which barred 54-year-old Mel from any contact with Oksana, 40, or Lucia - the actor's lawyers returned to court the following day to have it modified so he could see his daughter.

Stephen also insists Mel - who has seven children from his marriage to estranged wife Robyn - has been paying child support, despite claims to suggest otherwise.

He said: "Mel has generously supported Lucia and will continue to do so. Oksana currently lives in a four bedroom, multi-million dollar house with Lucia and her older son Sascha purchased by Mel.

Mel also purchased a brand new car for Oksana. He provides health insurance for Lucia and has given Oksana tens of thousands of dollars to support her and Lucia over the past months."