Murdoch and his eldest children descended on a Reno courthouse to appear for evidentiary hearings in a secret trial to determine whether the 93-year-old can alter the family trust that he established decades ago, giving his four oldest children equal votes over the future of his conservative media empire after he dies.
Murdoch wants to amend the trust so that his eldest son and chosen successor, Lachlan, will remain in charge for decades to come.
But the three other Murdoch children — James, Elisabeth and Prudence — oppose the change, and have challenged it in court.
In the coming days or weeks, a probate commissioner will issue a report and recommendation on whether Murdoch can change the family trust, according to Elyse Tyrell, an attorney in Las Vegas who specializes in trusts and estates.
Each party will then have 10 days to object to his report and recommendation, Tyrell said.
Persons:
Rupert Murdoch’s, Murdoch, Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, Prudence —, Elyse Tyrell, Tyrell, ” Tyrell, “, ”
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, Wall Street, Fox, Street, New York Post, CNN, Nevada Supreme
Locations:
New York, Reno, Las Vegas, Nevada, Australia, American