Judge sets strict rules for Nick Reiner’s hearing on access to $1.5 million trust fund

Nick Reiner argues in his petition that he has been denied access despite ‘unambiguous instructions’ left by his parents on how to disburse the funds in the trust that was established in 1993

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A judge has set strict rules for an Aug. 17 hearing on Nick Reiner's bid for access to a $1.5 million trust fund to help pay for his defense.

Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder in connection with his parents' killings in December, when renowned director Rob Reiner, 78, and photographer and movie producer Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home. Their son was arrested hours later.

Attorneys for Nick Reiner, 32, filed a 136-page petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on June 8 asking for funds from the trust, which he contends he was entitled to begin receiving two years ago.

Judge Ruben Garcia issued a media order on Thursday, stating, "Laptops in the courtroom are permitted, but solely for the purpose of note taking. However, there is to be no recording, photography or broadcast of any kind with this or any device."

Nick Reiner argues in his petition that he has been denied access despite "unambiguous instructions" left by his parents on how to disburse the funds in the trust that was established in 1993.

"Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths," the petition states. "But the facts about what did and did not happen to them are not at issue in this trust litigation."

The trust was established as part of the Reiners' estate plan, but is separate from the larger family trust that includes the estate's assets, according to the petition. It further states that each of the Reiners' three children has an independent trust for their individual benefit.

Nick Reiner argues that he was entitled to half of the trust when he turned 30 and should receive the remainder when he turns 35, distributions his attorneys say are mandatory and unconditional.

"They were a commitment by Nick's parents, in the most binding way the law of trusts allows, that these resources would belong to Nick for his use and benefit," the petition states.

Nick Reiner was originally represented in court by noted local defense attorney Alan Jackson. But Jackson left the case a short time later, without specifying a reason for his departure. The petition states Reiner's inability to access the trust fund money left him unable to pay for Jackson's services.

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