An insight into the family dynamic may be found in the recent disclosure that Nick was the subject of a Court directed conservatorship in 2020. As reported in an article by Winston Cho in The Hollywood Reporter on January 16, 2026 entitled “Nick Reiner’s Mental Health Conservatorship Could Complicate Prosecution”, Nick was the subject of a conservatorship which is utilized for individuals with serious mental illness and allows for involuntary psychiatric care. Apparently, the conservatorship ended in 2021.
In New York, there is no so-called conservatorship. Such phraseology ended years ago. Article 81 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law refers to individuals as being incapacitated persons or alleged incompetent persons. The New York Court, upon a finding of incapacity, will appoint a Guardian for personal needs and/or property management. Essentially, incapacity requires that an individual is suffering from some condition which prevents them from handling their affairs and they cannot appreciate the situation and are, thus, at risk.
Article 81 is based on a person’s functionality and not necessarily on a diagnosis. The Court focuses on a person’s ability to handle activities of daily living. The Court is afforded flexibility with regard to the Guardianship. It may be limited in time as was Nick’s. The Guardianship Court can grant to a Guardian broad powers, or limit the scope. The statutes intent is to provide the least restrictive imposition on a person’s ability to make their own decisions.
As explained in many articles in the New York Probate Lawyer Blog, a Guardianship case is commenced by the filing of a petition with the Court. A family member or friend can file a petition. The Court will issue an Order to Show Cause with a Court date for a hearing within the next approximately 30 days. An actual hearing occurs and the petitioner and other relevant individuals can testify. An attorney is typically appointed by the Court to represent the alleged incapacitated person. Also, a Court Evaluator may be appointed to review the case, interview the parties involved and submit a report to the Court with recommendations.
Dealing with young persons such as Nick Reiner in these cases is very complicated. While such individuals may be suffering from a mental disorder such as schizophrenia and/or substance abuse, on some level they may be able to function. In most situations, a Court appointed Guardian will not be able to force someone under a Guardianship to take medication or receive treatment over their objections without receiving a Court Order.
I have represented many individuals in Guardianship cases over more than 45 years. Do you have a question regarding a Guardianship case. Call me now for a free confidential review. We offer reasonable and flexible fee arrangements and personal representation.
New York Trusts and Estate Attorney Jules Martin Haas has helped many clients over the past 40 years resolve issues relating to guardianship and probate and estate settlement throughout New York City including the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau and Suffolk County. If you or someone you know has questions regarding these matters, please contact me at (212) 355-2575 for initial free consultation.