Rupert Murdoch will have to outlive appeal proceedings, after a critical Nevada judge knocked back his attempt to change the family trust that shares assets between his four oldest children on his death.

Murdoch, who turns 94 next March, has net worth estimated by Forbes at US$22.7 billion (A$35.24 billion), but more critical is control of his media empire, with News Corp chair Lachlan believed to be more likely to continue his father’s right-leaning political stance.

The father and son had sought to change the trust – under which control would be shared equally with older siblings James, Elisabeth and Prudence – in Lachlan’s favour.

However, the New York Times has reported that the US court has ruled against them, with commissioner Edmund Gorman critical of what he called a “carefully crafted charade” that had little consideration for its impact on the other siblings.

What happens now? A statement by Prue, Elisabeth and James was constructive, talking of moving “beyond this litigation to focus on strengthening and rebuilding relationships”, while Rupert Murdoch’s “disappointed” lawyer said he intended to appeal.