Nick Reiner, currently incarcerated and awaiting trial for the alleged murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is engaged in a legal battle to access a $1.5 million trust fund. His attorney, Alan Jackson, is seeking control over the trust to cover defense costs and other expenses.
A recent hearing on August 17 addressed Reiner's bid to access these funds, though Reiner himself was not present in court. It was revealed that Reiner has already incurred $200,000 in legal fees. He also receives $300 per month from the trust for use in the prison commissary.
Jackson, who had previously withdrawn as Reiner's counsel in January due to unspecified "circumstances beyond our control," has returned to represent him in this civil probate dispute. The trust was established by Rob and Michele Reiner for their son during their lifetimes, separate from the criminal case.
Reiner, 32, contends that he never received half of the trust's assets, which he claims should have been distributed to him upon turning 30 in 2023. The current trustee estimates that at least $558,000 became due to Reiner at that time. However, the trustee argues that Reiner consented to leave the money in the trust, preventing its withdrawal and the accrual of interest and income.
Reiner disputes this, stating he never agreed to have the money withheld indefinitely, did not authorize his mother to consent on his behalf, and does not recall signing any such document. He is now seeking the release of the funds along with any accrued interest and income. His attorneys assert that Reiner needs access to the money for his defense and for essential personal expenses while incarcerated, including hygiene items and commissary funds.
This civil dispute also touches upon California's "slayer statute," which can disinherit individuals who intentionally kill another person and stand to benefit from their death. Reiner's civil attorneys, however, argue that the funds in question are not an inheritance resulting from his parents' deaths. They maintain that the trust existed prior to the alleged murders and that Reiner became entitled to a distribution before they occurred.
Reiner remains incarcerated at Los Angeles’ Twin Towers Correctional Facility. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges of two counts of first-degree murder. A grand jury indictment unsealed in August 2026 added a special circumstance allegation of "lying in wait." The indictment also includes charges of multiple murders and the personal use of a knife. If convicted, Reiner faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet stated if they will seek capital punishment.
Nick Reiner's aunt, Annie Reiner, has reportedly continued to support her nephew throughout the legal proceedings. Reiner is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in his criminal case on September 15.
The judge has moved the trust hearing to October 23 to allow for further review of the arguments presented.