Trustees have denied Nick Reiner's request to withdraw more than $1.5 million from a family trust while he awaits trial on charges alleging he killed his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. They cite California's slayer statute and say no distributions should be made until a court decides whether the law applies. Reiner, who has pleaded not guilty, says he needs the funds for legal and commissary expenses; his attorney stresses the presumption of innocence. If the statute is applied, the trust assets could pass to his siblings, Jake and Romy.
Court Bars Nick Reiner From Accessing $1.5M Trust While He Awaits Murder Trial
Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner attend AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic
Trustees have blocked Nick Reiner from withdrawing more than $1.5 million from a family trust while he faces criminal charges tied to the deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
Trustees Cite California "Slayer Statute"
The trustees opposing Reiner's request told the court they are withholding distributions pending a legal determination about California's so-called slayer statute, a law that generally prevents anyone who has "feloniously and intentionally" killed a decedent from inheriting that person's property.
Reiner's Request and the Trustees' Response
Reiner, 32, petitioned the court to release funds he says were due to him when he turned 30 and wants the money to cover mounting legal fees, commissary expenses and other basic necessities while detained. The trustees argue no payouts should be made until a judge rules on whether the slayer statute applies.
Reiner's attorney, Anita P. Wu, told The New York Times: "The slayer statute requires a determination, not a mere accusation. Nick is presumed innocent and has been convicted of nothing."
Potential Consequences for the Trust
If a court determines the slayer statute applies, court filings say the trust assets could instead be redistributed to Reiner's siblings, Jake and Romy. For now, the dispute over the trust adds a civil component to the broader legal battle unfolding alongside the criminal prosecution.
Criminal Case Status
Prosecutors recently returned an indictment charging Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents' December 2025 deaths. The indictment also alleges a special circumstance of lying in wait and includes an allegation involving the use of a knife. Reiner has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 15.
Photo note: Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner were photographed at the AOL Build Speaker Series in New York on May 4, 2016. (Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)
This article was first reported by Parade on Aug. 16, 2026.
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