Nick Reiner Seeks Trust Funds for Legal Defense

Nick Reiner, son of Rob and Michele Reiner, petitions for unpaid money from a trust his parents established for him. He seeks these funds to aid in his defense against charges that he killed them.

The petition, filed by Nick Reiner’s civil attorneys in Los Angeles, argues that trustees have denied him the funds without legitimate reason. It states that Reiner needs this money for his legal defense and should receive them as they are lawfully his own assets.

On December 14, Rob and Michele Reiner were killed in their Brentwood home. Nick Reiner, arrested soon after, has pleaded not guilty to two murder counts. Initially, high-profile lawyer Alan Jackson represented him, but Jackson withdrew from the case, citing undisclosed reasons. The new filing indicates Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy, were initially covering legal fees but later withdrew support.

The filing includes a statement from Jackson that his firm is willing to resume representation if funds become available. It describes individual trusts established by the Reiners for each child, separate from the family trust. The terms required Nick Reiner to receive half the trust money at age 30 and the remainder at 35.

The filing claims Reiner has not received the entitled funds, and attorney Paul R. Kanin has given dubious reasons for withholding the payout. Reiner argues he needs immediate access to funds owed at 35 for his defense and basic jail necessities. The trust holds at least $1.5 million, but Kanin has not disclosed an exact value.

Reiner’s criminal proceedings are progressing slowly. He faces the possibility of the death penalty, though the District Attorney has not confirmed if it will be pursued. Authorities have remained silent on potential motives, and court orders have sealed many details of the autopsy.

Outside court, on his final day with the case, Jackson asserted that according to California law, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Jake Reiner, in an emotional statement, described losing his parents and having his brother implicated as an unbearable nightmare.

Rob Reiner’s legacy includes directing films such as ‘This is Spinal Tap,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ where he met Michele Singer. They were married for 36 years.