Ala. Code § 43-2-837
Except as otherwise provided by a decedent's will, every personal representative has a right to, and shall take possession or control of, the decedent's property, except that any real property or tangible personal property may be left with or surrendered to the person presumptively entitled thereto unless or until, in the judgment of the personal representative, possession of the property by the personal representative will be necessary for purposes of administration. A request in writing by a personal representative for delivery of any property possessed by an heir or devisee is conclusive evidence, in any action against the heir or devisee for possession thereof, that the possession of the property by the personal representative is necessary for purposes of administration. The personal representative shall pay taxes on, receive the income therefrom, and pay the expenses reasonably necessary for the management, protection, and preservation of, the estate in the possession of the personal representative. The personal representative may maintain an action to recover possession of property or to determine the title thereto.
Ala. Code § 43-2-837 (1975)