Nick Reiner, son of Rob and Michele Reiner, is pursuing access to his trust fund exceeding $1.5 million to aid his defense in charges related to the double homicide of his parents. His lawyers filed a petition in a Los Angeles court, highlighting the denial of access to the trust, which he was to start receiving at age 30. The fund was established in 1993 as part of the family’s estate planning.
The petition states that despite clear instructions by Nick’s parents for fund disbursement, he has been denied access. His attorneys emphasize that Nick is presumed innocent and deserves to use his resources for defense. The trust is distinct from a larger family trust and individually benefits each of the Reiner children. Nick’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, have separate trusts.
Nick Reiner, 32, pleads not guilty to the murder charges. Authorities accuse him of fatally stabbing his parents, Rob Reiner, a director, and Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer, in their Brentwood home. The petition describes the trust distributions as mandatory, noting Nick was entitled to half at 30 and the rest at 35, but has not received the funds due at 30. He aims to use the money for his legal defense and commissary needs while jailed.
The petition argues that withholding funds is a misuse of the Trustee’s discretion amid Nick’s current situation. It highlights his struggle to afford legal representation, as he was initially represented by attorney Alan Jackson, who withdrew due to financial constraints. Public defenders now represent Nick Reiner, but there’s an opportunity for Jackson to return if funds are accessible.
The defense case has progressed slowly. Reports mention adjustments to Nick Reiner’s schizophrenia medications before his parent’s deaths. The petition calls for fund release per the trust’s terms, allowing Nick to proceed with his defense properly.