LOS ANGELES — Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday seeking access to funds from a family trust, saying he needs the money for his legal defense in a murder case involving the deaths of his parents.
Court filings state that trustees managing the trust have denied disbursement requests without legal justification. Reiner’s civil attorneys argue that the trust was created by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner and includes provisions requiring payouts to their son at specific ages.
The petition states that Nick Reiner is entitled to receive half of the trust funds at age 30 and the remainder at age 35 under terms established in 1993. It further states that he did not receive distributions when he turned 30 and that he is now seeking immediate access to the remaining funds.
Reiner, 32, was arrested on Dec. 14 in connection with the fatal stabbing of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.
The filing identifies attorney Paul R. Kanin as the current trustee overseeing the funds since February and states that he has raised concerns regarding Reiner’s eligibility and requested documentation before authorizing distributions. The petition says Kanin has not disclosed the full value of the trust but estimates its assets at at least $1.5 million.
Reiner’s legal team argues that access to the trust funds is necessary to support his defense and basic needs while in custody. The filing also references earlier legal representation by attorney Alan Jackson, who later withdrew from the case. Jackson said in a declaration that his firm remains willing to resume representation if funding becomes available.
Court proceedings in the criminal case are ongoing, with Reiner scheduled for a pretrial hearing in September. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
