Parties empowerement in inheritance contracts: comparative perspectives from National and European law
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61345/1339-7915.2026.1.25Keywords:
inheritance contracts, contractual empowerment, comparative european jurisprudence, contractual autonomy, european succession lawAbstract
This study examines the evolving judicial approach to inheritance contracts, highlighting a shift toward empowering parties while balancing fairness, legal certainty, and contractual autonomy. Courts increasingly employ a combination of traditional doctrines and modern evidentiary techniques to evaluate performance, non-performance, and material breaches, allowing nuanced, context-sensitive adjudication. European jurisprudence, particularly the ECtHR and CJEU, provides comparative guidance, reinforcing principles of proportionality, protection of legitimate expectations, and respect for fundamental rights. The convergence of national and European standards fosters a coherent, predictable, and equitable framework for resolving inheritance disputes. By integrating these approaches, judicial practice not only safeguards individual rights but also supports the stable development of succession law in line with contemporary European norms. Ultimately, this approach demonstrates that contractual autonomy and equitable oversight are complementary, reinforcing both legal certainty and social justice in the domain of inheritance law.
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