Nick Reiner Seeks Access to Trust Fund for Legal Defense

Nick Reiner, the son of Rob and Michele Reiner, is attempting to access his more than $1.5 million trust fund. He aims to use these funds for his defense against double homicide charges. Attorneys for the 32-year-old filed a detailed petition in a Los Angeles court seeking access to his funds, which he should have started receiving two years ago.

The petition highlights that despite clear instructions from his parents regarding the fund’s disbursement, Nick has been denied access. “Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths. But the facts about what did and did not happen to them are not at issue in this Trust litigation,” his attorneys assert. They emphasize Nick’s right to utilize his lawful resources for a defense, as he is presumed innocent.

The trust was part of the Reiners’ estate plan, set up in 1993, but it is separate from the family trust that covers the estate’s broader assets. Every child of the Reiners, including Nick’s siblings, Jake and Romy, has an independent trust. His attorneys, Anita P. Wu and Geoffrey A. Neri, have not commented on the matter, nor have his siblings.

Nick Reiner faces charges related to the murder of his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, found dead in December. Nick has pleaded not guilty.

The petition states Nick was to receive half of his trust at age 30 and the remainder at 35. These distributions were described as “mandatory and unconditional.” However, his attorneys claim the trustee has neither released the funds due on his 30th birthday nor disclosed the amount available.

Nick Reiner is seeking these funds to support his legal case and cover his expenses while detained. His attorneys argue that the trustee is abusing their discretion by refusing the requests. The petition outlines Nick’s current inability to afford legal counsel or personal needs in jail.

Initially represented by Alan Jackson, Nick had to resort to a public defender after Jackson withdrew, citing financial constraints. Jackson noted he would resume representing Nick if funds become accessible. Nick’s attorneys insist he has a defense to present and is seeking financial support from his trust according to its terms.

The progress of the case has been slow. Sources mention that adjustments were made to Nick Reiner’s schizophrenia medication before the events that led to his parents’ deaths.