Key facts
- Nick Reiner is seeking funds from a trust established by his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
- He claims the funds are needed for his defense against charges of murdering his parents.
- Rob and Michele Reiner were fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home on December 14.
- Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.
- The trust was established in 1993 with instructions for payouts at ages 30 and 35.
- The trust is estimated to contain at least $1.5 million.
Nick Reiner, the son of director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is seeking access to funds from a trust his parents established for him. The petition, filed in Los Angeles County court, states that Reiner needs the money to help fund his defense against charges that he murdered his parents. Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in their home on December 14, and their son Nick was arrested hours later. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.
Reiner's civil attorneys argue that the trustees overseeing the funds have denied him access without legal justification. The petition highlights that Nick Reiner is presumed innocent and entitled to use his own resources for his defense. His legal team, initially led by Alan Jackson, noted that siblings Jake and Romy Reiner had agreed to cover legal fees but later reversed their decision. Jackson's firm has indicated readiness to resume representation if the funds become available.
The trust, established in 1993, was intended to disburse half its money to Nick Reiner upon turning 30 and the remainder at age 35. The filing asserts that Reiner never received the funds due at age 30, and the current trustee, attorney Paul R. Kanin, has provided a series of excuses for withholding the money, including concerns about Reiner's competence. Reiner contends he should also receive the funds designated for age 35 immediately, citing his defense needs and necessities while in jail.
The petition indicates the trust holds at least $1.5 million in assets, though Kanin has not disclosed the exact value. The murder case against Nick Reiner is proceeding slowly, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for September. Prosecutors have not yet determined whether to seek the death penalty. Details of the autopsy and motives remain largely secret.