When do you need a wet signature or a witness in the UK?
When the document has a formality an ordinary electronic signature can't meet. The common ones are deeds, which must be signed in front of a witness, wills, which need two, and lasting powers of attorney, which must be signed on paper. Paraph has no way to witness a signature, so it isn't for any of them.
Deeds
A deed must be signed in the physical presence of a witness, who then signs to say they saw it. The Law Commission's 2019 report says this still applies when both the person signing and the witness sign electronically. A document that says it is "executed as a deed" or "signed as a deed" is one. Law Commission, Electronic Execution of Documents.
Leases are a common case. To create a legal lease of land for more than three years, the lease has to be made by deed. Tenancies of three years or less, taking effect straight away at a market rent, are an exception and can be made without one. Law of Property Act 1925, section 52 and section 54.
Wills
A will must be in writing and signed by the person making it, or by someone at their direction, in front of two or more witnesses who are present at the same time, and each witness must then sign. For wills made between 31 January 2020 and 31 January 2024, being present could include by video; that allowance has ended. Wills Act 1837, section 9.
Lasting powers of attorney
You can prepare a lasting power of attorney online, but the forms must be printed and signed. In the government's own words: "Everyone must sign the same original document. They cannot sign copies or use digital signatures." The attorneys, witnesses and a certificate provider all sign. GOV.UK, Make a lasting power of attorney.
HM Land Registry
HM Land Registry accepts some electronic signatures, only in the forms and under the conditions in its Practice Guide 82: for example, a signing process set up and controlled by a conveyancer, with the witness physically present, and a conveyancer's certificate when the application is made. Paraph doesn't meet those conditions. If a document is going to the Land Registry, use your conveyancer's process. Practice Guide 82.
When somebody else sets the rule
A lender, a regulator, a court or the other party to a contract can ask for a wet signature or a qualified electronic signature, whatever the law allows. If they do, that is what the document needs. Paraph provides simple electronic signatures only.
What that leaves
Most business documents: employment contracts, tenancy agreements of three years or less, NDAs, supplier and client agreements, consent forms. Are electronic signatures legally binding in the UK? explains why.
Related
This is general information, not legal advice.