Nick Reiner’s siblings reportedly cut funding, leaving him to rely on a public defender

Nick Reiner faced a public defender after his siblings cut funding, days after attorney Alan Jackson stepped down, a move linked to rising defense costs
PUBLISHED JAN 13, 2026
Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner unanimously decided to stop funding Nick Reiner’s legal defense after emotional family discussions, according to a report (Getty Images)
Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner unanimously decided to stop funding Nick Reiner’s legal defense after emotional family discussions, according to a report (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The legal battle facing Nick Reiner took a dramatic turn after his siblings reportedly decided to cut off all financial support for his defense, leaving him to face murder charges with a court-appointed public defender, according to a report published on Monday, January 12.

The development came days after high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson announced during a court hearing on Thursday that he was stepping down from representing Nick, a move legal experts quickly linked to the staggering cost of his defense.



Reiner siblings cut legal funding as Nick Reiner faces murder charges

According to the Daily Mail, Nick Reiner’s siblings, Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner, jointly decided to stop funding their brother’s legal expenses, a decision sources described as “unanimous” and supported by the wider Reiner family.

The report cited insiders close to the family who said the decision followed extensive internal discussions and emotional strain, particularly given the severity of the accusations Nick now faces. 

Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner, and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner, and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

“[Nick] did this himself; he can deal with the consequences himself,” a source told the Daily Mail. “Rob and Michele have always been generous with their money to their kids, so he has always had money and should have some in his account.”

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014, in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014, in New York City (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Jake and Romy are reportedly “disgusted” by their brother’s alleged actions and have concluded that he must now take full responsibility for his own legal defense.

High-powered attorney exits as funds dry up

Nick Reiner’s financial situation reportedly came into sharp focus after Alan Jackson, a well-known criminal defense attorney, informed the court that he would no longer represent him.

Jackson’s departure cleared the way for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to step in and assume control of the case.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 17: Alan Jackson, attorney of Nick Reiner, appears in court to defend Reiner on murder charges on December 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The LAPD confirmed that Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home. Their son Nick was arrested in connection with their deaths and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney. (Photo by Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images)
Alan Jackson, attorney of Nick Reiner, appears in court to defend Reiner on murder charges on December 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

Legal observers noted that such transitions are often linked to mounting legal bills, particularly in complex homicide cases that can stretch on for months or even years.

Nick has been charged with the murders of his parents, Rob and Michelle, who were found dead in their Los Angeles home in the early hours of December 14.

Sources told the Daily Mail that the siblings struggled deeply with the decision to cut off financial support, as it conflicted with long-held family values.

Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)
Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City (Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)

“He’s accused of taking their parents, now should he take their inheritance so he can get free from the consequences? That’s what everyone’s reaction has been,” one insider said. According to the report, the Reiner family has long believed in standing by loved ones, even in difficult times, but this situation reportedly crossed a line that could not be reconciled.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner arrive on the red carpet at the State Department for the Kennedy Center Honors gala dinner, Dec. 2, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner arrive on the red carpet at the State Department for the Kennedy Center Honors gala dinner, Dec 2, 2023, in Washington (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

“It’s not like the Reiners or their nearest and dearest to turn their backs on a family member or anyone close to them. But this is different,” the source explained. “This is incomprehensible. The disgust over Nick’s alleged actions is felt by everyone, and the inclination to spend millions on his defense is simply not there.”

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