Nick Reiner had been in mental health conservatorship in 2020, according to reports

Mental Health Conservatorships and California Law: What Families Need to Know After the Nick Reiner Case

If you’re a California resident dealing with a loved one who has serious mental health issues, you may be wondering: What is a mental health conservatorship, and how can it protect my family? The recent case involving Nick Reiner—who was under a mental health conservatorship from 2020 to 2021 before being charged with the murder of his parents, acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele—has brought these legal tools into the spotlight.

This article explains what California families should understand about mental health conservatorships, estate planning, and probate when a loved one struggles with severe mental illness.

What Happened in the Nick Reiner Case?

According to reports from The Independent, Nick Reiner was placed under a mental health conservatorship that lasted from 2020 to 2021. The 32-year-old has been charged with the murder of his parents and is set to be arraigned on February 23, 2026.

Key facts about the case include:

Nick Reiner was diagnosed at different times with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

He had been taking medication but switched medications due to side effects about a month before his parents were killed

Steven Baer, a licensed fiduciary who served as his conservator, stated that mental illness “is an epidemic that is widely misunderstood and this is a horrible tragedy”

Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025, with no signs of forced entry

Nick’s attorney Alan Jackson withdrew from the case, citing “circumstances beyond our control”

What Is a Mental Health Conservatorship in California?

A mental health conservatorship—sometimes called an LPS conservatorship—is a legal arrangement where a court appoints someone (the conservator) to make decisions for an adult who cannot care for themselves due to severe mental illness. As noted in the Reiner case, this is “a legal process made famous by Britney Spears where someone has control of another person”.

Who Needs a Mental Health Conservatorship?

California families may need to consider a conservatorship when:

A loved one has been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder

The person is unable to provide for their basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)

The individual poses a danger to themselves or others

Less restrictive alternatives have been tried and failed

How Does a Conservatorship Protect Families and Assets?

For California residents concerned about protecting both their loved one and family assets, conservatorships can:

Ensure medical treatment and medication compliance

Manage financial affairs and prevent exploitation

Provide legal authority to make housing and care decisions

Protect estate assets from mismanagement

Estate Planning Considerations When Mental Illness Is Present

The Reiner case raises important questions for California families: How do I protect my estate if my child or heir struggles with mental health issues?

Proactive estate planning strategies include:

Special Needs Trusts: Protect assets while maintaining eligibility for government benefits

Spendthrift Trusts: Prevent beneficiaries from depleting inheritance quickly or during periods of mental instability

Professional Trustees: Appoint licensed fiduciaries (like Steven Baer in the Reiner case) to manage assets objectively

Advance Healthcare Directives: Specify medical treatment preferences and decision-makers

Durable Powers of Attorney: Designate someone to handle financial matters if you become incapacitated

Probate Challenges When Mental Illness and Tragedy Intersect

When a death occurs under tragic circumstances like the Reiner case, California probate proceedings can become especially complex:

Slayer Statutes: California law prohibits someone convicted of murder from inheriting from their victim’s estate

Will Contests: Family members may dispute estate documents, especially if mental health issues were present

Asset Distribution Delays: Criminal proceedings can delay probate for months or years

Wrongful Death Claims: Civil lawsuits may impact estate distribution

Why California Families Need Comprehensive Legal Support

Cases involving mental health conservatorships, estate planning, and probate require a one-stop legal resource that understands both the legal structure and the human complexity involved.

California Probate and Trust, PC offers California residents:

Transparent guidance through conservatorship proceedings

Estate planning designed to protect vulnerable family members

Probate administration when tragedy strikes

Trust and financial management coordination

Take Action to Protect Your Family Today

If you’re a California resident concerned about a loved one’s mental health, or if you want to ensure your estate plan protects both your family and your assets, don’t wait until a crisis occurs.

Contact California Probate and Trust, PC today for a confidential consultation. Our experienced team provides the transparency and family-centered approach you need during complex legal situations.

Visit cpt.law or call us to schedule your appointment.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented here is based on publicly available news reports and general legal principles. Every legal situation is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and California Probate and Trust, PC. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, please consult with a qualified California attorney. Laws and regulations are subject to change, and this article may not reflect the most current legal developments.

Source: The Independent – Nick Reiner had been in mental health conservatorship in 2020, according to reports