Los Angeles Court to Hear Dispute Over Trust Funds for Inmate Nick Reiner
A civil hearing will address whether 32-year-old Nick Reiner can access more than $550,000 from a trust established by his parents, a matter that could affect his ability to fund his criminal defense.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ruben Garcia is set to hear arguments on Monday in a civil case involving the trust of the late Rob Reiner and Michele Singer. The dispute centers on whether their son, Nick Reiner, who faces first-degree murder charges, is entitled to receive the $558,000 distribution that became payable when he turned 30 in September 2023, or whether the funds must remain in the trust until he reaches age 35.
Reiner, currently represented by a public defender, argues that the trustee withheld the money despite his entitlement, leaving him unable to hire a private defense team. He filed a petition in June requesting release of the funds, stating that he relied on the trustees to administer the trust fairly and that he never consented to keep the distribution in the trust.
The trustee, Jodi Montgomery, who succeeded former trustee Matthew Fishburn, contends that Reiner chose to leave the distribution in the trust and that the trust’s terms, as interpreted under California law, prevent any disbursement before age 35. Montgomery’s counsel also noted that, depending on the outcome of the criminal case, the money could be forfeited under the state’s Slayer Statute and would pass to Reiner’s siblings if he dies.
The parties have filed cross-petitions, with Reiner’s attorney, Anita Wu, criticizing the trustees for using trust assets to fund litigation against their own beneficiary. Wu said the new trustee has refused even a $50 allowance for basic necessities without a court order.
The criminal case, in which Reiner is accused of killing his parents in December 2024, is scheduled for a hearing on September 15, with a later criminal trial date yet to be set. A separate hearing on the trust dispute is slated for October 23, and both sides have indicated a willingness to consider mediation.
Earlier this year, Reiner’s former private counsel withdrew from the case, citing lack of funding. The public defender’s office has since taken over representation.