Nick Reiner, son of the late actor Rob Reiner, is seeking access to a $1.5 million trust fund established by his parents. Despite facing charges for their alleged murder, he is pressing for his legal right to the funds.
The 32-year-old Reiner is awaiting trial on two counts of first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing deaths of his father, Rob Reiner, and mother, Michele, in December 2025. During a February 23 arraignment at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Nick entered a plea of “not guilty.” On June 8, he filed a petition to claim his share of the trust fund, arguing that he was entitled to half of it upon turning 30, with the remainder promised at age 35. However, court documents reveal Nick’s claim that the trustee has not disbursed any funds.
“The terms of Nick’s Trust are straightforward and beyond reasonable dispute,” the petition states, as reported by The Wrap. “Nick’s parents clearly outlined that half of the Trust was to be given to him outright at age 30, with the remainder to follow at age 35. These payouts are both mandatory and unconditional.”
The petition further alleges that the trustee has cited “unfounded concerns” regarding Nick’s ability to “manage a trust,” thereby delaying the distribution of the funds.
According to the petition, the trustee has raised “unsubstantiated concerns” about Nick’s so-called competence to “manage a trust.”
“These distributions are non-discretionary,” the petition claims. “The trust does not authorise the Trustee to condition these distribution points on any subjective assessment by the Trustee as to Nick’s intended use of those funds.”
The documents state that Nick wishes to use the funds to re-engage “one of the country’s most sought-after criminal defense attorneys,” Alan Jackson, who was “forced to withdraw” from his case in January, “because the anticipated funding did not materialize.” Nick is currently represented by a public defender.
The petition asserts that “the stakes for Nick could not be higher,” noting that he informed the trustee, “Time is of the essence,” and stressed that he required Alan to avoid “further jeopardising my defence in the criminal matter.
“He has made clear to the Trustee that he wants – and needs – the funds in his own Trust to be released so that he can pay for his criminal defence,” the petition added. “Nick has no other means – to pay for his legal expenses, or for his basic support needs while incarcerated.”
The petition indicates that Alan is “ready, willing and able” to resume his representation.
Rob, 78, and his producer wife Michele, 70, died from “multiple sharp force injuries” inflicted “with a knife, by another,” on December 14, 2025, according to their death certificates.
Nick was taken into custody on December 15 and has been held on remand ever since. His most recent court appearance was on April 29 for the preliminary hearing, which has since been adjourned until September 15, 2026.