Mandatory Family Protection in the Law of Succession

The volume develops an alternative model to the German right to a compulsory portion, which is independent of need. It aims to strengthen testamentary freedom and at the same time extends the protection of the deceased's closest family members, in particular his or her children and surviving spouse, insofar as they require such protection. This is linked to the testator’s maintenance obligations, which, according to the reform proposal, remain as liabilities of the estate.