Ferdinand Maximilian of Baden was destined to follow in his father's footsteps as Margrave of Baden-Baden, but he died before his father in a hunting accident.

Ferdinand Maximilian married in Paris in 1653 Princess Louise of Savoy (1627–1689), aunt of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Louise Christine of Savoy refused to leave the refined French court and follow her husband to Baden-Baden.

Ferdinand Maximilian then abducted his son from Paris and brought him to Baden-Baden.

As a consequence Louis William was not raised by his mother, but by his grandfather's second wife Maria Magdalena of Oettingen-Baldern.