Can an absent parent get joint custody?

Extremely doubtful. It would be extremely doubtful for him to get 50/50 custody of a child who is only 2 years old even if he had been an "involved" and "hands-on" parent. Children that young simply can not have that much upheaval in their lives. I was a judge in CO for several years. All judges are given training about what is in the best interests of the children and developmentally appropriate parenting plans depending on the age of the children (preschool, elementary, middle school, high school). This information has been provided to the judges by child psychiatrists and experts on child development. So, his chances are slim to none. However, that does not mean that you should go in unprepared and without an attorney.

The father will be able to obtain some parenting time. How much will depend on how effective he is in aruguing that more time is in the child's best interest and how effective you are in presenting your position. If the decision is important to you, you should retain an experienced attorney to represent you.

We family law attorneys hate running into cases where a request for time is nothing but a money issue -- and it appears you are right in the middle of one of those cases! This is not a simple process. While many people go through it without attorneys, many more have success when counsel is in their corner. I would find an experienced family law attorney to help you call this guy's bluff. Your court will take a supreme interest in this man's lack of involvement so far and will likely give you orders that certainly limit contact -- that said, the court is never just going to say "sorry sir, since you've been uninvloved, you don't get to be a father anymore." He will get some time but the court will generate a plan that is in the best interests of your son and likely limit his involvement. I wish you all the luck in the world!