Nick Reiner Claims He Hasn’t Received Even $5 from Family Trust for Jail Commissary

## Trust Dispute Complicates Case Against Nick Reiner, Awaiting Trial for Double Homicide

Nick Reiner, a 33-year-old man facing trial for the alleged murders of his parents, is embroiled in a legal battle over access to a family trust reportedly valued at approximately £1.6 million. While in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles, Reiner claims he has received less than £5 for his jail commissary needs despite the substantial trust established by his parents.

Reiner’s attorneys filed two separate responses in Los Angeles County Superior Court, highlighting a financial struggle that has left him unable to pay for essential items while awaiting trial. The trust, known as the Nick Reiner Children’s Trust, was created in 1993, designating him as its sole beneficiary. Court documents reveal a deeper conflict regarding the distribution of funds from the trust, which Reiner’s lawyers argue should be readily available to him.

At the heart of the dispute lies an “Age-30 Distribution,” which mandates the trustees to pay Reiner a minimum of £558,000 that became due upon his 30th birthday on 14th September 2023. The attorneys assert that this payment is rightfully his and should not be subject to delays caused by the ongoing criminal case, where he faces serious charges including first-degree murder.

In their filings, Reiner’s legal representatives lambast his situation, stating, “In the meantime, Nick still has not been able to access even £5 from his trust.” The attorneys claim that the trustees are mismanaging the trust and prioritising legal fees over fulfilling their obligations to Reiner. To date, over £250,000 in legal fees has been reported to have been drawn from the trust while he is deprived of his entitlement.

Nick Reiner was indicted in July, facing charges that could lead to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. His case is further complicated by a history of changing legal representation; his initial attorney withdrew shortly after his arrest, and he has since been represented by a public defender. Reiner’s defence team has indicated that they would like to rehire his previous attorney should he gain access to his trust funds.

The legal turmoil extends to the conduct of the trustees, with one former trustee, Paul R. Kanin, accused of failing to fulfil promises made concerning Reiner’s commissary needs. According to court documents, Kanin had agreed to make necessary deposits into Reiner’s account but did not execute this commitment. This has led to further allegations of mismanagement and neglect regarding the handling of Reiner’s funds.

Reiner’s attorneys also argue for the trust to be exempt from California’s Slayer Statute, which prevents individuals from reaping benefits from a crime they may have committed. They maintain that the entitlement from the trust predates any allegations against him, asserting that money that became his before the tragic events involving his parents should be available for his legal defence.

The upcoming court hearing, scheduled for 23rd October 2023, is expected to address these pressing issues as Reiner’s defence seeks to resolve the financial impasse. His legal team is advocating not only for the distribution of the Age-30 funds but also for a clear ruling that allows the trust assets to be used for legal expenses.

Montgomery, the successor trustee, has countered these requests, arguing that the trust assets should remain intact during the litigation related to his criminal charges. Kanin supports this position, defending his actions throughout his brief tenure as trustee.

The ongoing debate over the trust reflects broader themes of justice and access. Reiner’s legal team argues that withholding his funds not only undermines his right to hire adequate legal representation but raises ethical concerns regarding the role and responsibilities of trustees in cases of familial tragedy.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome may significantly impact Reiner’s ability to mount an effective defence against the serious charges he faces. The implications of this case extend beyond personal tragedy and into the complexities of fiduciary responsibility, bringing to light the potential consequences of financial disputes intertwined with serious criminal allegations.