Nick Reiner's Trust Fund Dispute Delays Defense Funding Amid Murder Trial
Nick Reiner, 32, is in a civil probate dispute to access a $1.63 million trust fund created by his late parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, to fund his murder defense. Reiner, who is charged with stabbing his parents in December 2025, has already spent $200,000 on legal fees, including payments to former attorney Alan Jackson. A new trustee, Jodi Montgomery, opposes releasing funds, citing California's 'slayer statute' and claims that Reiner voluntarily left $558,000 in the trust when he turned 30. Reiner's lawyers argue he is entitled to the money as he has not been convicted. Judge Ruben Garcia continued the hearing to October 23, with mediation potentially following. The criminal case includes a 'lying in wait' charge, making Reiner eligible for the death penalty or life without parole if convicted.
Key points
- Nick Reiner is seeking access to a $1.63 million trust fund to pay for his murder defense.
- Reiner has already spent $200,000 on legal fees, including for former attorney Alan Jackson.
- Trustee Jodi Montgomery opposes releasing funds, citing California's 'slayer statute' and claims that Reiner left $558,000 in the trust at age 30.
- Reiner's lawyers argue he is entitled to the money because he has not been convicted.
- Judge Ruben Garcia continued the hearing to October 23, with mediation potentially following.
- Reiner faces a 'lying in wait' charge, making him eligible for the death penalty or life without parole if convicted.
Background
Nick Reiner is charged with murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, in December 2025. The trust fund was created over 30 years ago by Rob and Michele Reiner. Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait. The trust fund has changed managers, with Jodi Montgomery taking over from Matthew Fishburn and Nick Kanin.
How outlets are covering it
NBC News and ABC News report that Reiner has spent $200,000 on legal fees and is seeking access to the trust fund. Deadline emphasizes the conflict between Reiner and the trustee, Jodi Montgomery, and the potential for mediation. Page Six focuses on the 'lying in wait' charge and its implications for Reiner's defense and sentencing. All sources agree on the basic facts of the trust fund dispute and the criminal charges, but differ in their emphasis on the legal and financial aspects of the case.
Why it matters
The outcome of the trust fund dispute could significantly impact Reiner's ability to mount a strong defense in his murder trial. The 'slayer statute' and the trustee's opposition to releasing funds could delay or limit Reiner's access to legal resources. The 'lying in wait' charge increases the potential severity of the sentence if Reiner is convicted, making the defense funding crucial.
What to watch
The next hearing in the trust fund dispute is scheduled for October 23. Mediation may follow, potentially resolving the dispute before the criminal trial. The criminal case has a pretrial hearing on September 15, with no trial date set yet.
- Nick Reiner has spent some of his family money on murder defense, lawyers say NBC News
- ‘Slayer Statute’ Blocks Nick Reiner From Trust Fund, Its Steward Says The New York Times
- Nick Reiner Clashes With Trustee Over Trust Fund Cash For Criminal Defense Deadline
- Rob Reiner’s son Nick may have launched ‘surprise attack’ on parents after ‘watching and waiting’ to make a move Page Six
- Nick Reiner fights for access to trust fund for defense, hearing continued to October ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
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