Nick Reiner Trust Hearing Delayed Until October, Lawyers Seek Faster Fund Access
A Los Angeles judge has pushed back the hearing on Nick Reiner’s trust assets, while his defense team argues the money is needed urgently for his murder trial.
Los Angeles County officials have postponed the hearing on the disposition of a $1.5 million trust that belongs to Nick Reiner, the 31‑year‑old accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, in 2023. The new date is set for October, a change from the original schedule that had the matter slated for earlier this month.
Reiner remains incarcerated without bail at the Los Angeles County jail while prosecutors prepare a murder‑for‑hire case that could carry a life sentence. His attorneys filed a motion on Monday urging the court to grant immediate access to the trust funds, arguing that the money is essential to retain a qualified criminal‑defense team and cover expert‑witness fees.
The defense’s request highlights a broader legal debate about how quickly beneficiaries can draw on trust assets when those funds are needed for legal expenses. Judges typically weigh the trustee’s fiduciary duties against the beneficiary’s right to a robust defense, especially in high‑stakes cases involving alleged homicide. In Reiner’s situation, the trustee has not yet released any portion of the trust, prompting the lawyers to press for a “speedy” resolution.
Prosecutors have not commented publicly on the trust issue, but court filings indicate they are prepared to argue that the assets should remain untouched until the criminal case concludes. The postponement to October gives both sides additional time to present arguments on the trust’s proper use.
If the court eventually orders the release of the funds, Reiner’s team plans to hire additional counsel and secure forensic analysts to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Until then, the defendant’s legal strategy remains constrained by the lack of accessible resources.
Original reporting: Variety.