(1) If a husband and wife are sued together, the wife may defend: For her own right; and
(2) If the husband neglects to defend, for his right also.
(3) Where a husband, being a father, has deserted his family, the wife, being a mother, may prosecute or defend in his name any action which he might have prosecuted or defended and shall have the same powers and rights therein as he might have had.