The Firm
We specialize in Equine law.
VanToorn Equine Law is a trade name of VanToorn Legal. A small-scale Dutch law firm located in Rotterdam, with a second (meeting) location in Bergen op Zoom.
Attorney-at-law, Annemarie van Toorn, has more than twenty years of experience as a (litigation) lawyer and more than thirty years of experience as a (competition) horse rider.
Equine Law
Equine Law is our niche. Equine Law requires a lawyer to have thorough knowledge of horses, the equestrian industry and professional jargon used.
According to the Dutch Civil Code a horse is not ‘property’, but Dutch property Law does apply. This means that the horse is considered movable property. However, the horse is a living creature, with different usage purposes and other risks. This for example must be taken into account when drawing up a purchase agreement.
Litigation
Litigation may never be the starting point, especially not when it comes to horses. Procedures often take long, are expensive and have high risks. That is why, firstly, we will always try to find a solution in consultation with the other parties and their lawyers. However, when this approach does not lead to results, we do not shy away from legal proceedings. Our client’s interests always come first.
International
One of our main areas of expertise is international (private) law. When entering into and drafting international agreements, rules of private international law, treaties and European regulations should always be taken into account. Which court has jurisdiction? Which law applies? When assessing contracts, this has to be taken into account also and knowledge of international law is of the utmost importance.
Mediation
An amicable settlement is almost always preferred. Legal proceedings take a long time and are often very expensive. Mediation can be a good alternative. Together with a neutral mediator you enter into a dialogue with each other to find a good solution.
Often two or three conversations are sufficient, provided that both parties have the will to work it out together. Mediation is voluntary and confidential.
Disciplinary Law
It is becoming increasingly common for veterinarians to be held liable. In most cases, the complaint is declared unfounded or the claim is rejected by the court. A bad outcome for the complainant/plaintiff but unfortunately also for the vet. Because of the complaint, he had to call his insurer and his annual premium goes up, even if he wins the case.
Equine Law
Equine Law is our niche. Equine Law requires a lawyer to have thorough knowledge of horses, the equestrian industry and professional jargon used.
According to the Dutch Civil Code a horse is not ‘property’, but Dutch property Law does apply. This means that the horse is considered movable property. However, the horse is a living creature, with different usage purposes and other risks. This for example must be taken into account when drawing up a purchase agreement.
Litigation
Litigation may never be the starting point, especially not when it comes to horses. Procedures often take long, are expensive and have high risks. That is why, firstly, we will always try to find a solution in consultation with the other parties and their lawyers. However, when this approach does not lead to results, we do not shy away from legal proceedings. Our client’s interests always come first.
International
One of our main areas of expertise is international (private) law. When entering into and drafting international agreements, rules of private international law, treaties and European regulations should always be taken into account. Which court has jurisdiction? Which law applies? When assessing contracts, this has to be taken into account also and knowledge of international law is of the utmost importance.
Mediation
An amicable settlement is almost always preferred. Legal proceedings take a long time and are often very expensive. Mediation can be a good alternative. Together with a neutral mediator you enter into a dialogue with each other to find a good solution.
Often two or three conversations are sufficient, provided that both parties have the will to work it out together. Mediation is voluntary and confidential.
Disciplinary Law
It is becoming increasingly common for veterinarians to be held liable. In most cases, the complaint is declared unfounded or the claim is rejected by the court. A bad outcome for the complainant/plaintiff but unfortunately also for the vet. Because of the complaint, he had to call his insurer and his annual premium goes up, even if he wins the case.