Ala. Code § 6-10-67: Right to Use of Property Before Such Set Apart and to Commence or Defend Actions Thereon.

Before grant of administration and before the exempt property is set apart, the right of the surviving spouse and minor child or children, or either, to the use and benefit of such property shall be the same as if it had been set apart as exempt; and actions respecting the same may be commenced or defended by the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, by the minor child, or children, as fully and to the same extent as if such property had been set apart as exempt from administration.