Most influential, perhaps, are the judge's views as expressed in this and previous cases, and the applicable law in your jurisdiction. Not all cases settle for such rational reasons, however. Real world factors such as fear of embarrassing disclosures, lack of money for attorney fees, and the hope of eventual reconciliation may significantly contribute to producing settlement. Additionally, people prefer certainty. Unless the judge's position is known unequivocally, there is some level of uncertainty on both sides.
Many clients prefer to avoid the anxiety of wagering their lives on a judge's decision.
Additionally there are the factors of time and money to consider. In many jurisdictions, you will wait one to two years for your trial. Meanwhile, both you and your wife's attorneys' fees will continue to climb. You may also be interested in settling because in some jurisdictions you may be held responsible for some portion of your wife's fees. These fees normally increase dramatically as you approach your trial date.