Nick Reiner Seeks Trust Funds to Rehire Attorney for Murder Defense
8 verified4 unconfirmed1 contested
Nick Reiner, charged with the murders of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is seeking access to a trust fund to rehire a prominent defense attorney. Reiner, 32, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances after his parents were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. In a probate petition filed in Los Angeles, Reiner argues that a trust established by his parents contained mandatory distributions that were supposed to begin on his 30th birthday in 2023, but he has not received any funds. He states the money is needed to rehire attorney Alan Jackson, who withdrew from the case in January after funding from Reiner’s siblings fell through. The current trustee, Paul Kanin, has withheld the funds, citing concerns that include Reiner’s competency and potential application of California’s slayer statute, according to the petition. Reiner’s legal team argues the trustee’s refusal constitutes an abuse of discretion and that no use of the funds is more critical than mounting a defense. His next court appearance is scheduled for September.
What’s verified
Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14.
Reiner has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
He is seeking access to a trust established by his parents, which contained mandatory distributions of half the value at age 30 and the remainder at age 35.
Reiner turned 30 in 2023 and states he did not receive any distribution.
Attorney Alan Jackson initially represented Reiner but withdrew in January due to lack of funding; Reiner’s siblings initially agreed to pay but later stopped.
The current trustee, Paul Kanin, has withheld the funds, citing concerns about Reiner’s competency and California’s slayer statute, among other reasons.
Reiner’s petition argues that refusing to release the funds is an abuse of the trustee’s discretion.
Reiner’s next court hearing is set for September.
Where accounts differ
The amount of the trust fund is reported as $1.5 million by one source and $1.7 million by another source.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reports that Reiner had known drug issues and was prescribed medication for schizophrenia prior to the killings.
Only one source details the involvement of Jodi Montgomery, who was selected as a successor trustee, and that Reiner’s public defender rejected a meeting request with Montgomery.
Only one source includes attorney Alan Jackson’s declaration about being contacted a day after the murders and the siblings’ initial agreement to fund the defense.
Only one source mentions that Reiner seeks funds specifically for rehiring Jackson and for “buy basic support items” like socks and hygiene products.
Key figures
Nick Reiner (defendant, beneficiary of trust)
Rob Reiner (deceased father, filmmaker)
Michele Singer Reiner (deceased mother, photographer)
Alan Jackson (defense attorney)
Paul Kanin (trustee)
Jodi Montgomery (successor trustee candidate)
Jake and Romy Reiner (siblings)
Anita P. Wu (Reiner’s trust lawyer)
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone
