Rules to file a lien are subject to state law so what someone tells you may not apply to you, in fact a lot of what people will tell you may not apply at all.

My great state of Minnesota has a statues, sec. 514.011 has specific details how and what needs to be done for a contractor even have a legal right to file a lien. In fact the Statues Under Minnesota law gives you the right to pay persons who supplied labor or materials for any improvement directly and deduct this amount from the contract price.

It would be to your benefit to mention the state you're in to avoid getting comments from someone in another state, but I strongly urge you to seek out the actual laws in your state and take with a grain of salt the he said, she said misinformation you will get here.

Mechanic's Lien Laws vary from state to state, so you'll be well served to consult an attorney licensed to practice in your state who has residential construction as part of his/her practice.

Your GC should be getting the waivers from the subs when he pays them. Ask for copies.

In my experience as a GC, it's not typical to get lien waivers from trade contractors (the Commonwealth of VA doesn't recognize "subcontractors," they are all considered contractors.) You will probably be okay with a final waiver and release of liens in lieu of a long-form lien waiver, but again, you'll be well served to consult with an attorney licensed in your state.

I guess a $400/hr attorney could read you the state laws concerning mechanic liens (and probably very slow).

Here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, mechanic's lien laws--and the process for perfecting a mechanic's lien-- are complicated. With regard to mechanic's lien laws, the OP can choose to consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in their state or take the advice of houzzers in lieu of that.

I'd get the waivers from the subs and suppliers.

Thank you for the help! We’re in New Mexico. I reached out to a lawyer who provided me the form to get a waiver from the subs and GC.