>>Is there a limit to how many years after one dies that one’s remains or grave can be disturbed?
One gazillion years for a scumbag taking the head to his basement and destroying bones.
Graves can be moved if determined by the government, of course, but with dignity. That is totally different from some jerk deciding to desecrate graves. In a lot of countries that can send the desecrater to his own grave. If the law doesn't act, family will.
What is a last will and testament if not that? You dying doesn't give anyone else the right to just claim ownership of your house the second you die. Also, most burial plots include essentially a lease for maintenance. It is probably the cemetery owner who would press charges for theft. There are probably also specific laws on the books that make this illegal.
IIRC, this is basically a U.S-only phenomenon. In Europe and most other places of the world, there is the understanding that a grave will not last forever.
In most parts of Europe, the grave is actually "guaranteed" to still be yours for quite a short time (~40-50 years) before the lease is up. If you want to keep it, the family has to pay to keep it.
One gazillion years for a scumbag taking the head to his basement and destroying bones.
Graves can be moved if determined by the government, of course, but with dignity. That is totally different from some jerk deciding to desecrate graves. In a lot of countries that can send the desecrater to his own grave. If the law doesn't act, family will.