Paraph Law and Legal Definition
A Paraph is a signature by a notary on the evidence of an obligation, typically a collateral mortgage note, to identify the note with the collateral mortgage securing the note. The phrase “ne varietur,” Latin for “it must not be altered,” is traditionally used in the paraph. It is a flourish or other embellishment made after a signature, either as idiosyncrasy or to protect against forgery. “Paraphing” means that the notary signs the note with his official signature, thereby certifying to the note’s genuineness.
