Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, has asked a Los Angeles court to release funds from a family trust, arguing the money is needed to support his legal defence in a case accusing him of killing his parents.

In a petition filed on Monday, Reiner’s civil attorneys say trustees managing the account have refused to release payments he is entitled to under the trust, without what they describe as valid legal justification.

The filing argues the trust was structured to provide him with staged payments at specific ages, and that the remaining funds are now urgently required.

“Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths,” the petition states, while adding that he is presumed innocent and entitled to mount a legal defence using resources he is lawfully owed.

Reiner, 32, has been charged in connection with the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who were found stabbed at their home in Brentwood on 14 December.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.

Court filings cited by the Associated Press say Reiner was previously represented by high-profile attorney Alan Jackson, who later withdrew from the case.

His siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, had initially agreed to cover legal fees but later reversed that decision.

The petition also claims the trust, managed by attorney Paul R. Kanin, holds at least $1.5 million, though its exact value has not been confirmed.

It alleges the trustee has given shifting reasons for withholding payments, including concerns about Reiner’s capacity.

In a supporting declaration, Jackson said his firm would consider resuming representation if funding is restored.

Reiner is due back in court for a pretrial hearing in September as the criminal case continues.