Many Judges will conference divorce and family law cases in their chambers directly with the attorneys or instead the Judge's law secretary will run the conference. During those conferences the attorneys can each present their arguments about different issues or problems with the identification and valuation of assets and whether an attorney for the child is needed. Almost any topic related to the divorce or family law case can be discussed. It could be that one side is not complying with discovery requests or that one party is violating temporary stipulations, or that changes in existing parenting schedules need to be made...the list is endless of what can be the source or request to resolve a problem.
Sometimes clients may not realize the significance of these discussions and think well the conference was not in front of the judge, or the judge needs to hear it from me, or once the judge talks with the children then they will understand my position. While these things can be true, if you have an experienced and respected attorney and if the judge is likewise known to be experienced (not brand new in divorce court) then it may be a good idea to follow the suggestions of your attorney after the conference. If the Judge tells one of the attorneys "there's no way I will do that" or "I am thinking that the person pays (fill in the blank) $$$ as monthly support" these statements should be given serious consideration because the Judge is giving a preliminary assessment (which is still subject to change at a trial based on testimony, credibility and evidence).
If your attorney was able to present the major points of your position and the Judge gave an off the record statement of his thinking and direction on the issue it might be foolish to disregard the Judge's preliminary comments. I have at times told clients just before a trial is set to begin and the Judge has assessed the essential elements in an attorney conference in chambers, the client is taking a chance playing poker and hoping that the Judge was bluffing and would not do what was said. The Judge has no financial stake in the outcome and whether there is a trial or a settlement is often just an issue for the Judge of how much time he/she will have to devote to the case with an already busy court calendar. Judicial suggestions should be strongly evaluated and considered with your attorney.