The Real Reason Nick Reiner Could Still Inherit His Parents’ $200M Fortune After Their Deaths as Sources Claim His Lawyers Are ‘Exploring Every Legal’ Twist
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The details of Rob and Michele Reiner’s death have left Hollywood reeling. It’s not just the loss of the couple, who were hugely respected and beloved; it’s the circumstances surrounding their death. Their son, Nick, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and there are reports that California might even seek the death penalty for Nick Reiner.
What does that mean for Nick and his two living siblings? And under these circumstances, what happens to the Reiner’s fortune? Is Nick still entitled to any money from his parents? We break it down.
Related: See what we know about Rob Reiner’s autopsy
Will Nick Reiner Inherit Rob & Michele Reiner’s Money After Their Death?
The answer is still undetermined, as it depends on what happens with the murder charges. But if Nick Reiner is convicted of murdering his parents, he will likely not inherit any part of their reported $200 million fortune. This is due to the California Slayer Rule, a law that prevents someone who “intentionally and feloniously” kills another person from inheriting any property or benefits from the victim’s estate.
However, if Reiner is found not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity, there’s a chance he could still inherit.“The law gives courts flexibility,” Rob Shuter reported. “Even an insanity verdict doesn’t automatically bypass the Slayer Rule. Probate judges have wide discretion.”
And Nick Reiner has a high-profile attorney, Alan Jackson, who has previously defended people like Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, and who is already preparing the defense. “They are exploring every legal angle to protect Nick’s rights,” an insider revealed. Considering the circumstances, however, this would be a battle.
Shuter also revealed that after Rob and Michele’s death, everything they’ve built feels like it’s in a state of flux. “Everyone in Tinseltown is stunned,” a close family friend said. “Rob and Michele built a dynasty, and now it’s all hanging by a thread.”
The full official autopsy report hasn’t been released yet, but the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s official report confirmed Rob and Michele died of “multiple sharp force injuries,” with their deaths officially being ruled a “homicide.” Nick Reiner is being held in a downtown jail and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or, due to “special circumstances,” even the death penalty if he is found guilty.
On Wednesday, December 17, Romy and Jake Reiner, Rob and Michele’s two children, released a statement about the situation: “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience,” the statement read. “They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life,” it went on to say. “We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”
