Hi Sarah,
You are right about the phone. I had to release my W from the plan. I would do it and she would go to the store and they wouldn't allow her. Turns out that when I called and released her, it was only temp. You only have a certain amount of time once the "owner" releases the number. Now that you have a lawyer, I think this is something he can get done pretty fast! Just have him tell H's L that you want the # released right away. HE is the one who filed, not you!