Watching and listening are critically important at each court appearance whether it is a divorce conference or a trial. Every time there is interaction with the judge there is much to be learned from the responses whether verbal or non-verbal.
If you see the judge rolling his eyes or turning away when the other attorney or your attorney (hopefully not) is speaking that is a clear sign that the judge may be showing disbelief, lack of credibility, ineffective argument or just indicating that the requested result is not happening.
When the judge is engaged paying close attention, nodding in agreement, showing concern, staring at the other side those are all signs that the argument is likely being well received.
If the judge is cutting off the other attorney or yours it may be because the argument is repetitious, or not supported by the statutes or caselaw or that the judge is not convinced of the merit to the statements made or relief requested.
If the judge is asking questions or encouraging the attorney to keep explaining that usually indicates that the judge wants to make sure that the decision contemplated will be properly supported. If the judge is asking questions that indicate that there is not enough proof or that the argument may not be supported or that the request is premature that is a big warning about what may likely be the decision.
Judges can and often do telegraph there decisions. Nothing could be clearer than a judge saying "well I've never done that yet" or "that was a nice try". Likewise a compliment may mean that the judge was convinced although compliments to both attorneys while professional may not indicate anything. When a judge suggests to an attorney that the court will take a recess so "counsel can talk to his/her client" that is usually not a good sign.
Experienced attorneys will pick up on the cues and will be able to counsel their client appropriately. Therefore, it is critical to have an attorney that practices matrimonial law and even better has frequently appeared in front of that judge and knows the judges nuances of conversation and non-verbal cues.