Probate lawyers dispute Nick Reiner's access to $1.63 million trust amid murder trial
Attorneys for Nick Reiner argue he should be allowed to draw from a trust fund created by his parents, while a trustee cites California's slayer statute to block any payments.
Los Angeles prosecutors and defense lawyers met in court on Monday to argue over whether 32-year-old Nick Reiner can tap a $1.63 million trust fund established by his parents, acclaimed director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The parents were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home in December, and Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with special-circumstance enhancements.
Anita Wu, representing Reiner’s probate interests, disclosed that about $200,000 from the trust has already been used, including an undisclosed portion for his former defense attorney, Alan Jackson. Jackson, who withdrew from the case in January citing “circumstances beyond our control,” appeared in court with Wu, indicating he could rejoin the defense if the financial dispute is resolved.
A newly appointed trustee for the trust argued that any disbursement to Reiner should be barred under California’s slayer statute, which prevents individuals who cause a death from benefiting financially from that death. The trustee said she opposes any payments to Reiner.
Reiner was scheduled to receive the full trust amount at age 35 and had been eligible for $558,000 at age 30, which he chose not to withdraw. His lawyers maintain that, because he has not been convicted, he remains entitled to the funds.
“The main thing to take away from today’s hearing and moving forward is that Nick Reiner is very much entitled to his own money, his own funds, and that’s what this process is about,” defense attorney Alan Jackson told reporters.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ruben Garcia did not issue a ruling and set a further hearing for Oct. 23.