The Murdoch family is in court today as Rupert Murdoch attempts to amend the terms of the family’s irrevocable trust.

An irrevocable trust is an irreversible legal relationship which gives full control of property and assets to a trustee, who has a legal obligation to look after the trust. The only way amendments can be made is by permission of beneficiaries or via a court order.

The trust was originally set up to give four of his oldest children, Lachlan, James, Elisabeth and Prudence, equal control over his outlets after he passes away.

A probate court in Nevada is hearing the case brought by Rupert where he argues that his oldest son Lachlan Murdoch should have exclusive control over his media empire, according to a report by the New York Times. Rupert believes the trust needs to be controlled by Lachlan in order to preserve his outlets conservative views, arguing that this will maintain the commercial value of the business.

It’s understood Lachlan is most aligned with Ruperts right-winged views, in comparison to his other three children. Therefore, his main concern is that a voting split of three to one could occur, changing the direction and editing policy of his media outlets.

Author Michael Wolff, who has written books about the Murdochs, said in an interview with the ABC that Lachlan has more right-wing views than his siblings.

“Lachlan will lose his job when his father dies as things now stand – the entire legacy will be overhauled as soon as Rupert dies,” he told the ABC.

Lachlan currently sits as Chairman of News Corp as well as CEO and Executive Officer of Fox Corp which spans across continents.

James, Elisabeth and Prudence have come together to stop Rupert from revising the trust, which cannot be amended without their permission.

The Nevada probate commissioner ruled that the trust can be amended if Rupert can prove it is in the sole benefit of all his heirs.

Photo: Rupert Murdoch receiving the Global Leadership Award 2015 by Hudson Institute is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.