The Elector of the Palatinate Charles III Philip failed to produce a legitimate male heir, as did his brothers.

Joseph Charles, the eldest son of the Count Palatine of Sulzbach, was the heir apparent.

On 2 May 1717 Joseph Charles married Countess Palatine Elizabeth Augusta Sophie of Neuburg (1693–1728), the daughter of Charles III Philip, a match intended to unite the two lines and prevented another succession war.

However, all the sons fathered by the couple died in infancy and only three daughters survived.

Joseph Charles was buried in the St. Michael's Church, Munich.