Murdoch Family Lawsuit Begins in Closed Court

The Facts

• Court proceedings have begun in Reno, California concerning an attempt by Rupert Murdoch, 93, to alter the terms of his family's trust created in 1999 dictating the distribution of media company shares between his children upon his death.

• Murdoch is attempting to edit "irrevocable" terms of the agreement that would split shares and control of News Corp. and Fox Corp. between son and current chair Lachlan Murdoch and his three siblings James, Elisabeth, and Prudence Murdoch.

• Murdoch wishes for his son Lachlan to maintain control of both corporations without "interference" from other siblings after his death. The Murdoch Family Trust owns both media companies and is believed to be worth $19.6B.