The time limit for bringing a suit in respect of a dispute over the right of succession is two years, counting from the date on which the successor knew or should have known that his rights had been violated. However, if more than 20 years have elapsed since the beginning of succession, no further legal proceedings may be instituted.
 The limitation period of the right of succession shall be calculated from the date when the successor knows that his rights have been violated. That is to say, once the successor knows that his rights have been violated, he can request the people's court to protect him, and he must exercise his rights within two years from the date he knows that his rights have been violated, otherwise he will lose legal protection. However, the two-year limitation of action may be suspended, interrupted or extended in case of statutory reasons.
 If a successor knows that his or her rights have been violated within two years, and the dispute over his or her right to inheritance is indeed within the mediation period of the people's mediation committee, he or she may be dealt with according to the suspension of the limitation of action. If the successor brings a lawsuit to the people's court due to a dispute over inheritance, the limitation of action shall be discontinued. During the period from the 18th year to the 20th year since the beginning of succession, if a successor knows that his rights have been violated, his right to bring a lawsuit should be exercised within 20 years from the beginning of succession. If it has exceeded 20 years, he may not bring a lawsuit again.
 Therefore, at the beginning of inheritance, the successor should claim inheritance in time to avoid more complicated situations later.
 Article 8 of the Inheritance Law of the People's Republic of China
 The time limit for bringing a suit in respect of a dispute over the right of succession is two years, counting from the date on which the successor knew or should have known that his rights had been violated. However, if more than 20 years have elapsed since the beginning of succession, no further legal proceedings may be instituted.