This text will discuss whether a witness should sign all pages of the contract or signature page.
In practice, parties to the contract may sign or affix thumbprints to all pages of the contract or only to the signature page of the contract. Similarly, a witness may also sign or affix the thumbprint to all pages or only the signature page of the contract. Signature page refers to the last page or any page of the contract where parties together conclude and sign the contract.
In my opinion, the above practices of witness to sign all pages or only signature page are acceptable under the laws of Cambodia. Although the witness signs or affixes thumbprint to all pages of the contract, the witness is not a party to that contract. Accordingly, witness is not bound to any obligation as provided under the contract of the parties. Affixing signatures or thumbprints on all pages of the contract might prove that the witness has confirmed his or her witness to the agreed terms and conditions of the contract and that the page with his or her signature or thumbprint is the true part of the contract. The parties cannot change any page of the contract without acknowledgment of the witness. In practice where lawyer is a witness, the lawyer affixes the lawyer’s stamp to all pages of the contract to prove or confirm that the whole contract has been presented by the parties to the lawyer.
Affixing signature or thumbprint on the signature page by the witness is also another practice in Cambodia. From point of view that contact is formed by agreement of the parties, signing only the signature page will not affect the validity or legality of the contract of the parties. Furthermore, there is no legal requirement to have witness sign or affix thumbprint on all pages of the contract since the witness is not a party to the contract. In practice where there is lawyer as witness, there are cases where the witness lawyer signs and affixes the lawyer’s stamp on the signature page.
In conclusion, it depends on preference of the parties and witness to sign or affix thumbprints on all pages of the contract or only the signature page of the contract.
This text is not legal opinion or advice. Reader may seek comprehensive and formal legal advice from lawyers.