The family constitution: A toothless contract?

Disputes arising among family members will not infrequently threaten the break-up of an entire – multi-generational – family business. Against this background, family constitutions find increased popularity. These documents allow family businesses to set out their shared values and to formulate approaches for dealing with potential conflicts. Until now however, family charters have been considered primarily through a business lens and have not been attributed any legal relevance. The present article sees jurist Holger Fleischer challenge this view.