When a decedent, who was at the time of his or her death a resident of this state, leaves surviving him a spouse and minor child or children, or either, who are bona fide residents of this state, the probate court, at the time of appointing appraisers of the estate, shall issue a commission to them, stating the names of the surviving spouse and minor child or children, or either, as the case may be, and the nature and extent of the personal property exempt in their favor, and directing the appraisers to set apart the same.
Ala. Code § 6-10-80 (1975)