Robin Thicke and Paula Patton are close to finalising a custody agreement for their son Julian.

Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke

The former couple have been locked in a dispute over the care of the six year old since January, when the 'Baggage Claim' star was granted temporary sole custody, but the pair are said to have realised the dispute is taking an emotional toll on the little boy and have agreed to work towards a settlement, with the 'Blurred Lines' singer now allowed "significant time" with the youngster, TMZ reports.

However, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) still have an investigation into Robin open after Julian previously complained in school that his dad had used excessive punishment, an allegation the 40-year-old singer has denied.

Though it was previously claimed Julian was afraid of his father, they have been spending increasing amounts of time together in recent weeks, especially as Paula, 41, has been away filming, and the boy is now "comfortable" in his dad's company.

The settlement is expected to be signed in around a week.

It was supposed to be agreed last weekend, but some issues cropped up that are now being ironed out, though they won't impact on the agreement.

When the custody dispute first arose, Robin had accused Paula - who he split from in 2015 after 10 years of marriage - of trying to drive a wedge between him and his son.

The former couple's divorce is currently in the process of being finalised.