The legal requirements and rules around marriage can differ from state to state. This can include details on how to obtain a marriage license and the requirements to do so, as well as big picture issues such as who can marry whom. Prior to 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court extended marriage rights to gay and lesbian partners, states were free to either allow or prohibit same-sex marriage. Other marriage issues determined through state law include age requirements for obtaining a marriage license without parental consent, whether there are exceptions for younger people with extenuating circumstances, and how marital property is construed